The Stillwater City Council unanimously passed into second reading ordinances that would create industrial lots on Jardot Road – at the northeast edge of City limits – rezoned for small-lot single-family and multi-family residential at Monday’s City Council meeting.

City councilors considered a first reading for Ordinance No. 3595, which would rezone a track of land at 3020 N. Jardot Rd. from General Industrial to two-family and multi-family residences.

Additionally, the City considered a first reading for Ordinance No. 3596 for rezoning a tract of land at 3398 N. Jardot Rd. from General Industrial to small lot single-family residences.

The applicant, Quail Village Investments, LLC, requested a review and approval of a map amendment, according to City agenda documents.

The property would be located south of the southwest corner of East Airport Road and North Jardot Road, is approximately 36.92 acres and is currently vacant and unplatted.

Caleb Smith, a civil project manager at Crafton Tull & Associates Inc. – a Tulsa-based design firm – spoke at both the Stillwater Planning Commission on March 3 and then again at Monday’s City Council about plans to “‘downzone’ the industrial land into two residential tracks, creating a transition from the existing duplexes and industrial areas, through the townhomes which is the next agenda item, into the single-family homes that abut the exterior of Payne County,” planning commission documents read.

Most of the current land sits vacant, as well as the area to the north.

Two businesses are located nearby, including Cedar Creek Farms, which recycles various materials, including greenery such as trees and brush; and the 120-year-old Dolese Brothers Co., which transforms state raw rock into materials used for roads, bridges, skyscrapers and foundations.

Smith said discussions had been held regarding landscape screening for the proposed neighborhood, and said some were concerned about whether anyone would want to live in the units.

Smith said he’s researched the zoning code requirements for landscape screening, and there would be still be 200-300 feet of open space between industrial zones and the proposed neighborhood.

Running Bear Street, a road that runs north and south within the White Barn Estates neighborhood to the south of the proposed neighborhood, could potentially connect both neighborhoods.

Mayor Will Joyce said he’d love for the two neighborhoods to connect. From an overall planning perspective, Joyce said he thinks there should be a well-planned ingress and egress in case of emergencies.

The Stillwater Fire Department reviewed the ingress and egress routes for the proposed homes, Smith said. Crafton Tull & Associates will also review the possibility of connecting the two neighborhoods when it’s time to decide on platting.