SPANISH FORT, Ala. — The Planning Commission got its first look at a proposed office and warehouse complex during Monday’s informal work session.

Dan Vaughan, president of Atlanta-based Indusco Environmental Services Inc., submitted the site plan for review, indicating he intends to relocate the company and several employees.

The proposed 5,000-square-foot structure on the east side of Jay Drive would include a 1,500-square-foot office building with the remainder reserved for operations. The site is properly zoned B-3 or general business.

“The near-the-city life has lost its charm, and we are hopeful that Spanish Fort will be a much welcome change for my family and at least two other key personnel’s families,” Vaughan wrote in an e-mail to Building Official Bruce Renkert, explaining his absence from the work session and intentions of being present to answer any questions during the Dec. 13 regular meeting.

Contacted early Tuesday morning, Vaughan said existing relationships with local companies and location are driving the decision.

“(There’s a) much better quality of life around the coastal area verses the metro area of Atlanta,” he said.

Established in 1982, Indusco supplies air-pollution-control equipment for industrial and municipal clients. Products include scrubbers, ductwork, vent hoods, dampers, storage and process tanks, fans and pumps. It was not immediately clear how many jobs the operation might create.

The commission also discussed a request for preliminary and final subdivision plat approval by Figure 8 LLC that would create a 145-acre buffer zone between a single-family property owner and the joint owners of the Highlands. The plat, referred to as D’Olive Acres, First Addition, is adjacent to 34585 Jimmy Faulkner Drive.

If approved, the property owners would be allowed to construct only one home on the sizeable lot, prompting Commissioner J.R. Smith to question whether granting the request would alter the already agreed-upon density requirements for the Highlands development.

City Attorney David Conner said the shift should not create any problems considering the proposed development would spread 27,000 dwelling units across an estimated 14,000 acres, and the request on the table affects only 145 of those acres.

In other business, the commission:

• Reviewed a request to rezone the site of the former Exxon gas station on the Causeway near the Interstate-10 overpass from R-1, or low-density, single-family residential, to B-3, or general business.
• Reviewed the most recent draft version of the city’s comprehensive plan. Citing legal advertising requirements, Conner said the plan will not be introduced to the public until the Jan. 10 meeting.
• Announced City Hall will be closed Dec. 24 and 27 in observance of the Christmas holidays with offices re-opening at 8 a.m. Dec. 28.
• Announced City Hall will be closed Dec. 31 in observance of the New Year’s holiday with offices re-opening at 8 a.m. Jan. 3.

The next regular meeting of the Planning Commission will be held at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 13, following a 6 p.m. work session at the Gathering Place in the Prodisee Center. An informal work session is slated for 6 p.m. in the conference room of City Hall on Dec. 29.