The Storm Lake City Council has taken the first step toward rezoning a property near Buena Vista Regional Medical Center.
During Monday’s meeting, the council held a public hearing on an ordinance to amend the zoning map for the property on West Milwaukee Avenue that formerly housed a youth gymnastics center and later a martial arts training center.
The proposed change would shift the property from being zoned for Hospital Medical Facilities use to Community Commercial, allowing for broader commercial use.
The building was originally connected to BVRMC’s Health & Fitness Center, but it was later disconnected and sold by the medical center.
City Building and Code Compliance Director Scott Olesen said the change reflects the property’s current status and future potential.
Olesen noted that the current zoning limits development options and that the new designation would better align with surrounding land use.
Sam Rasmussen, co-owner of the building, spoke during the hearing and explained the decision to sell the property after relocating gymnastics operations to LeMars.
No public objections were raised during the hearing, but the city council agreed to delay a first reading vote until a more full council can address the matter. Three readings and approvals are required before the zoning change becomes final.
