The 5-1 vote Tuesday night to deny the change from a shopping center zoning to a professional research park zone came after a public hearing. Property owners and attorneys argued that the new zoning would be too restrictive.

"We have to consider the property owners' rights," Councilman Norm Dreyer said. "They have a right to do what they can with their property. They've invested a lot of time ... over the years, and within reason, (there's) no reason to deny them the right to profit from their investment."

The land, divided among four property owners, is in the southern part of this Warren County city and is one of the first sights people see as they get off the highway. The planning commission recommended the zoning change, which would have allowed a mix of research facilities, manufacturing and professional services.

"It reduces the value of the land," said Del Everett, who owns about 21 of the acres.

The current shopping center zoning is the least restrictive commercial zoning district, allowing for a variety of retail, service industry and office uses, according to city officials. The property is also located in a Gateway Overlay zone, so any future development also must follow additional requirements.

According to city figures, half of the undeveloped land in Lebanon is slated for industrial use, while only 6 percent is set aside for commercial use.Of developed land, 7 percent is commercial and 29 percent is industrial. Residential and office uses are the rest.

The lone yes vote on the rezoning came from Mayor Amy Brewer, who said she wanted to be consistent with her vote as a planning commission member.

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