The Vincennes City Council has given initial approval to a proposed zoning change tied to a residential development.

Council members voted 7–0 to pass t first reading of an ordinance which would amend zoning for the Broadway Place subdivision.

The change would shift the planned housing type for the development from single-family homes to duplex units.

Developer Mark Gerkin of Sure Clean told council members the project was originally approved several years ago as a planned unit development for single-family housing. He said the updated plan calls for nine duplex buildings, totaling 18 units, along with two existing homes nearby that would remain outside the planned development.

Gerkin said infrastructure work at the site is largely complete. Sewer systems have been tested, and water lines are expected to be tested in the coming weeks. He told the council construction could begin as soon as final approvals are in place.

The project is scheduled to go before the Area Plan Commission on April 7. After that review, the ordinance would return to the council for second and third readings.

Council members also discussed the possibility of vacating certain streets within the development area. City officials indicated that would require a separate action.

If approved in later readings, the zoning change would allow the developer to move forward with construction of the duplex units at the Broadway Place site.