Hutchinson’s hodge-podge of zoning districts, some of which don’t allow any development except by permit, was identified by consultants last year as a possible roadblock to future development along some of the city’s key transportation corridors.

Since then, city leaders, including planning staff, the Hutchinson Planning Commission and Hutchinson City Council, have been working to fix the situation. The immediate goal has been to address conditions under which development, both commercial and residential, can take place along newly rebuilt State Highway 7. It’s been a sometimes slow process developing consensus.

On Tuesday, the Hutchinson Planning Commission once again reviewed a proposed ordinance that would establish regulation in a newly created mixed-use zoning district. Such a district would allow a mix of residential development with commercial projects that would enhance and support people living in the neighborhood.

In the end, the commission voted 6-0 to send back to the council its ordinance recommendation as originally proposed.

For more about the debate over a mixed-use zoning district, read the Leader’s July 17 print edition.

(Terry Davis is a Hutchinson Leader staff writer. E-mail him at davis@hutchinsonleader.com.)