JEFFERSON — Instead of seeking to have a piece of property rezoned to allow for the potential construction of a Dollar General Store, Harvest Chapel Ministries is now considering building an apartment community for area seniors.

"At the December (Jefferson City Council) meeting, this item was tabled, but now the applicant is seeking to withdraw its (highway commercial) application and reapply for a different zoning to allow for a 55-year-old and older apartment community around the church," Jefferson City Manager John Ward said during the council’s meeting on Monday.

The church originally approached the City Council in December to have the property at 2106 Old Pendergrass Road rezoned. The proposal was met with opposition from members from the residential community surrounding the property.

In order for the applicant to seek a different rezoning permit, the City Council would have to approve a "withdrawal without prejudice."

"If the applicant was to be denied for the (highway commercial rezoning) they originally asked for, they would have to wait 12 months before they could apply for a different zoning," Ward said. "But if the council approves the withdrawal without prejudice, the applicant could apply for a new zoning without waiting the 12 month period."

The council’s meeting was its regularly scheduled work session; no action was taken on any agenda item.

During the meeting, the council also received an update on the 2009 general election.

According to city clerk Elizabeth McDonald, the general election will be on Nov. 3. The positions that will be filled are City Council and board of education seats from Districts 2 and 4. The mayoral position for Jefferson also will be on the November ballot.

The meeting was held at the Jefferson Civic Center on Kissam Street. The group will meet again at the same location on Jan. 26 for its regularly scheduled voting session.