Council approves Kmart-site rezoning on Western Boulevard after debate over tree buffer; vote 5–3 The council approved a rezoning at the former Kmart site on Western Boulevard (5–3). Staff and the applicant offered a zoning condition requiring a 15-foot protective yard or equivalent distributed plantings (30 deciduous, 20 evergreen, 30 understory, 160 shrubs); some residents and environmental advocates urged retaining the full 25-foot SHOD2 buffer to protect canopy and stormwater functions.

The City Council's recent 5–3 vote to rezone the former Kmart site ignites a fierce debate over balancing redevelopment with environmental protection.

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