LAUREL HILL — The Okaloosa County Teachers Federal Credit Union asked the City Council to consider a comprehensive plan revision to allow a branch office in a neighborhood.
Municipal planner Pat Blackshear’s request to place the matter on next month’s council agenda touched off a robust discussion involving city attorney Dan Campbell, residents and credit union representatives.
Blackshear on Thursday distributed a proposed draft amendment to Laurel Hill’s comprehensive plan, saying, “What this would do is allow the use of this property for a branch credit union and no other use.”
The credit union acquired property on Fourth Street off State Road 85 in a foreclosure. Except for a wheelchair accessible ramp, the house's appearance wouldn’t change, Melanie Fulton, the credit union's representative, said.
Still, resident Mary Bradberry said, “retail doesn’t have to move in your neighborhood. There’s plenty of other areas for retail growth.”
The credit union — which can't afford to build a new branch office — wants to operate from property it already owns, Fulton said. “If we're not able to use that property, the chance of us opening a full-time branch probably wouldn't happen,” she said.
Changing the comprehensive plan requires a “change in circumstances,” such as a highway being rerouted, to change existing zoning, Campbell said. “I don't want the city to go out on a limb on a special exemption and get in trouble with the state of Florida,” he said.
Former mayor Joan Smith reminded credit union representatives that space at reduced rent has been offered in two city locations, including the 1905 Gallery on State Road 85. “It would be a good opportunity to get a start and then grow,” she said.
Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Residents challenge credit union's rezoning request