PELHAM, Alabama -- The Pelham Planning Commission tonight gave its unanimous blessing to a proposed rezoning of property on Huntley Parkway where developers are proposing an apartment complex smaller than initially planned.

The Planning Commission recommended approval of the proposed zoning change for 3.67 acres on Huntley Parkway associated with The Grand Reserve at Pelham apartment complex. The board also gave its approval of the final plat for the Huntley Parkway parcel.

Commission Chairwoman Mildred Lanier said the developers are proposing a smaller apartment complex consisting of 184 units, compared to the previous plan of 228 units.

The Planning Commission already recommended approval of a 14.83-acre parcel located directly south of the Publix shopping center on Huntley Parkway near County Road 52 for the project. The initial proposal would have required a variance due to the housing density.

The additional 3.67-acre parcel combined with the decreased number of units helped address concerns and eliminate a need for a variance.

"I'm just really excited about the collaboration and the way all parties really came to the table and looked at this," Lanier said in an interview after the meeting. "Obviously we want growth in the city and we are excited about that. I think all of us were really appreciative of the way we were all able to work together."

C&A Enterprises LLC and SAC LLC, both companies whose representatives are property owners Al Awtrey and Eugene Cole, requested the rezoning on the 3.67 acres from B-2 General Business to PR-3 Planned Multiple Family District. Steven Corbett and Juston Trimback are proposing to build the high-end apartment complex.

The Pelham City Council will ultimately need to approve the recommendations by the Planning Commission.