The Newton City Council has approved a zoning change for approximately 60 acres of farm ground on the south side of the 2300-2400 blocks of North 19th Avenue East. Newton Commercial Land Broker Richard Boggus says a company is looking at purchasing the land for a building and outside storage of equipment and supplies.

“We do not have a signed deal. They would put up a 100,000 square foot building with some brick or stone on the outside. So if the zoning change is approved and the results of the soil borings go well, we probably have the land sold.”

The unnamed company told city staff this facility would create an estimated eight-to-ten jobs. The Newton City Council, on a 4-to-2 vote, did change the zoning from Agriculture to Light Industrial. This vacant land is north of new residential development in northeast Newton, but also directly east of other Light Industrial zoned property. Under Newton’s Comprehensive Plan, this 60 acres was designated for future residential development. That’s why several homeowners to the south were against the rezoning. It’s also the reason Newton City Council members Stacy Simbro and Joel Mills voted “No.”