Livingston is considering rezoning eight properties around the old shirt factory into its central business district.
Livingston Community Planner Tommy Lee said the properties are currently zoned for light industrial, only allowing for manufacturing. Lee said this zoning made sense in the 1980’s but now the factory has been demolished.
“With the rezoning they could put a commercial business down there, they can have second-story residential,” Lee said. “That’s important because of the proximity to our central park and to our restaurants and our downtown.”
Lee said that Livingston and the Dowtown Revitalization Committee own four properties, the other four owned privately. Lee said the city has met with all the owners and all are in favor of the rezoning.
The second hearing on the rezoning ordinance is set for June 7 at 5:50 PM.
“Four of the parcels happen to be owned by the city of Livingston, so that was a pretty easy sell to them,” Lee said. “Then our building inspector and codes enforcement officer went and spoke with all of the property owners and received nothing but support for this rezoning.”
The properties being considered for rezoning are on Railroad Street, Evans Street, Church Street, South Church Street and Goodpasture Street.