Rita Martin and Dave Hager want to sell their property at the corner of Oak and North Main streets, but first they want to have it rezoned from B-1 business to I-1 industrial to better accommodate the four buildings that that exist on the site.

The property, across from the State Police post and from a vacant former Little League lot, now is regarded as commercial, but Martin and Hager told the Wayland City Planning Commission the buildings are much better suited to industrial uses. Located in the 600 block of North Main, it used to be the site of Quality Pool Supply, but before that was a car dealership and repair shop.

The Planning Commission agreed to schedule a public hearing on the rezoning request for 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 12.

Hager said the four buildings account for about 24,000 square feet total and they have overhead doors much more suitable to industrial rather than retail businesses.

Planning Consultant Janis Johnson from Wade Trim said the city’s master plan envisions that area as retail commercial because of the presence of neighboring residences. Just to the north of the site, in Leighton Township, are commercial properties Waco Sales, Wayland Chrysler and Curve Rite.

Hager pointed out, however, that Curve Rite does manufacturing, aluminum stamping and bending, and Waco does small engine repairs.

“These buildings are not store fronts for retail,” Hager said. “People (prospective buyers of the property) are seeing overhead doors and insulated buildings.”

He said those who look at the property are much more interested in a tool and die or machine shop because of the structure of the buildings. He added that because the buildings are well insulated, the level of noise would be minimal.

Hager added that Quality Pools even used part of the site to build fiberglass underground pools.

But city officials noted that machine shops are allowed only on properties zoned I-2, for heavier industrial, which the city would rather not allow in that area.

Commissioner John Frigmanski responded, “I think the commission would be hard pressed to open those buildings as commercial, except maybe for a flea market.”

Commissioner Gary Ragan agreed, saying, “It seems to me that I-1 industrial would be a much better fit what’s there now.”

The buildings currently are empty.

Johnson commented, “The master plan says the property is intended for commercial use because of the desire for neighborhood commercial.”

Frigmanski reiterated his support for a change, noting, “It seems a reasonable use would not be commercial.”

PHOTO: Rita Martin and Dave Hager listen to the Planning Commission comment on their request for rezoning.