PORT TOWNSEND — The city Planning Commission voted Tuesday night to recommend plans to rezone 1.7 acres to make way for a Victorian hardware business conglomerate planning to relocate here.

The commission voted 4-2, with one abstention, to approve the rezoning being challenged by an organized group of residents who say the business will adversely impact their neighborhood.

Kenneth Kelly of San Jose, Calif., plans to build a 20,000-square-foot distribution center near Sims Way next to the Jefferson Transit facility.

He hopes to open the center — which would house a showroom for retail sales and a shipping outlet — by next April.

The property borders some residential areas on Hancock and Third streets.

The commission voted to tie several other requirements to the recommended comprehensive plan amendment, which shifts the property from public infrastructure to commercial “C-2” zoning.

The recommendations limit the height of the building to 30 feet, create 10-foot setbacks, add signs that would direct cars away from nearby residential areas and require additional landscaping buffers.

A final decision on the rezoning will be made by the City Council, which will take up the issue during a 6:30 p.m. meeting Dec. 11 at City Hall, 540 Water St.

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