City of Lawton accepts proposal for new shopping complex

A proposal that would add more retailers to the shopping center at West Gore Boulevard and North Sheridan Road has won approval from the City Planning Commission.

Commissioners voted Thursday to convey C-5 General Commercial zoning on four lots at 58 N. Sheridan Road. The lots are just west of an existing commercial complex on the south side of Northwest Bell Avenue, on the west side of Sheridan Road. Applicant Chad Rogers, who owns the vacant lots, proposes building a commercial complex that could house up to five retail businesses.

Kameron Good, a planner with the City of Lawton’s planning department, said proposed businesses include a bakery, jeweler, key shop, travel business and ice cream shop.

While no one spoke for or against the proposal, the property owner immediately adjacent to the site asked about the effect on her property, asking if it, too, would change from a residential lot to commercial. Community Services Director Charlotte Brown said that wouldn’t happen unless the woman filed a rezoning request on behalf of her property.

The site plan shows a south-facing 50-foot by 100-foot commercial building immediately west of the existing building along Sheridan Road, placement that adds to the effect of a continuous shopping center, Good said.

The unanimous recommendation will be forwarded to the City Council for a final decision.