Joplin Zoning and Planning Commission Meeting - November 13, 2023

The Joplin Zoning and Planning Commission met on November 13, 2023, to consider six rezoning and related requests. The meeting began with roll call, approval of previous meeting minutes, and a reading of public hearing procedures. All cases were decided by vote, with most passing unanimously. One case (048-23) saw two opposing votes, and another (052-23) had one abstention.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of minutes from the previous meeting: Motion by Dr. Rosenberg, second by Mr. Landis. All in favor. Motion carried.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Case 048-23 (R1 to R2 at 16th and Pitcher): David Stennett, owner of properties at 1608, 1610, and 1616 Pitcher, spoke in opposition. He stated that the alley is already heavily traveled and functions like a one-lane street. He expressed concerns that adding a duplex would increase traffic and create fire safety hazards due to narrow access and lack of nearby fire hydrants. Commission members questioned him about existing parking and alley usage.

Discussion Items

• Case 047-23 (R1 to M2, Rob O'Brien Way and 26th St): Applicant GBE Engineering requested rezoning of 11 acres from R1 (single-family residential) to M2 (heavy industrial) to match the surrounding industrial park. No public comment. Unanimously approved.

• Case 048-23 (R1 to R2, west of 16th and Pitcher): Applicant Alex Winkleman proposed a duplex on a lot accessible only via an alley. Public opposition noted above. City staff reported no concerns from building inspections or fire department. Commission discussed alley width, traffic, and fire hydrant availability. Motion to approve by Dr. Rosenberg, second by Mr. McCullough. Vote: 5 in favor (Rosenberg, Kimball, Phillips, McCullough, Landis), 2 opposed (Jackson, Warren). Motion carried.

• Case 049-23 (M2 to C2, 216 E 12th St): Applicant Jim Hardy sought rezoning from heavy industrial to central business for multiple parcels already used commercially. No public comment. Unanimously approved.

• Case 050-23 (R1 to M2, Rob O'Brien Way and 26th St): Applicant Wayne Stevenson (GBE Engineering) requested rezoning of another 11-acre parcel to M2 for a planned food liner trucking facility with office, three maintenance bays, and two wash bays. No public comment. Unanimously approved.

• Case 051-23 (Vacation of utility easement, S Montana Place and 24th St): Applicant Zach Black requested vacation of a utility easement to build a residential home. Utilities confirmed no impact. No public comment. Unanimously approved.

• Case 052-23 (R3 to R3 HP, 524 W 5th St): Applicant Matthew Michael (on behalf of his wife) requested a historic preservation overlay for a property already listed on the National and State Historic Registers. He provided historical context about the original owner, William B. McIntyre. Commission noted a typographical error in the applicant name on the agenda. Motion to approve by Mr. Landis, second by Ms. Warren. Vote: 5 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 abstention (Ms. Phillips). Motion carried.

Key Outcomes

• All six cases were approved: Cases 047-23, 049-23, 050-23, and 051-23 passed unanimously. Case 048-23 passed 5-2. Case 052-23 passed with one abstention.
• The meeting adjourned on a motion by Mr. Landis, second by Ms. Warren.