Groups seek rezoning of northwest corner of Douglas and Rock Road

The planning commission this week will consider a possible zone change at the northwest corner of Douglas and Rock Road where one part of the Stratford apartment complex is.

Russ Ewy, a planning consultant with Baughman Co., is working with the owner of the apartments and a couple of groups of buyers who want to redevelop the corner.

Currently, the property is zoned for multifamily use. The groups are seeking limited commercial zoning.

The apartment complex, which has just over 100 units, is part of the Rockwood neighborhood.

“This has been part of the neighborhood for nearly 50 years,” Ewy says.

He says there would be a protective overlay with the rezoning to ensure new development would be compatible with the neighborhood. For instance, it would have certain restrictions related to signage and lighting. Also, it would prohibit some potential businesses, such as night clubs or sexually oriented businesses.

“We want to be sensitive,” Ewy says. Also, he says, “We know that the planning department expects certain things.”

The property is not quite four acres.

“You’re not looking at anything huge,” Ewy says of potential users.

He says the property could be big enough for two or three users or one more sizable one.

Ewy says Rockwood neighbors are good to work with, so he doesn’t expect a major issue at the District Advisory Board meeting on Tuesday or at the planning commission meeting on Thursday.

“It’s a great neighborhood association,” he says. “They’re not an angry mob or anything like that.”