Public Hearing on Lotus Property
The Florence Planning Commission will hold a public hearing at 5:30 PM on January 14, 2025, at City Hall, 250 Highway 101, to review proposed changes to the zoning and comprehensive plan for 1150 Bay Street, formerly the “Lotus” building, and adjacent properties. The application, submitted by Chris Leturno on behalf of A & D Bay Street LLC, seeks to reclassify the area from Development Estuary to Old Town Area A and amend zoning regulations to permit multi-unit, single-unit attached, duplex, tri-plex, and four-plex developments in specific areas near residential zones. The proposed changes aim to accommodate residential growth while aligning with the city’s planning objectives. The commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to the City Council for a future hearing, with a date yet to be set. The application involves both quasi-judicial and legislative reviews, requiring elevated public notification and hearing standards.
Time for New Well
City Manager Erin Reynolds says the city is preparing to dig another well for the water district. Reynolds says it has been about 10 years since the last well was dug, and though ongoing maintenance and repairs have been consistent, she says it is time. The well will be located in proximity to the current wells.
“Ready to drill and do another well in an identified area in our well field in the Munsel Greenway area.”
Reynolds says this will be well 14 for the city. She added the importance of maintaining production levels to adequately supply the city residents and businesses.
Building’s History
The 89-year-old former automotive shop on Highway 101 at Laurel Street has been demolished. Built in 1936, it was a key fixture in Florence’s business community, hosting several enterprises over its lifetime. Two businesses with ties to the original Ponsler Motors still thrive today. Johnston Motor Company, operated by Paul Johnston, the great-grandson of Ed and Elsie Johnston, traces its roots back to 1939 when the elder Johnstons bought the business. Ed sold cars, pumped gas, and worked in the shop, while Elsie ran an insurance office upstairs. That agency, now Zolezzi Insurance, is still active on Maple Street. By 1958, the dealership had moved north, passing through generations of the Johnston family. At the original site, Irl Ziemer, a former employee, took over the gas station and repair shop. His children and their spouses continued the business at the new dealership location until retiring two years ago. The property was sold to Raycen Raines, who has expressed interest in building a natural grocery on the site, though no official plans have been announced.
