The Albert Lea City Council approved a proposed rezoning Monday that will allow for a new site for a local veterinary clinic.

The measure passed by a 5-2 vote at the council’s meeting. Councilors George Marin, Larry Anderson, Reid Olson, Larry Baker and Al “Minnow” Brooks voted yes. Mayor Vern Rasmussen Jr. and 1st Ward Councilor John Schulte V voted no.

The vote was the same June 6 to move forward after the first reading of the proposed rezoning of the property.

Approval allows property at 1430 U.S. Highway 69 to be rezoned from R-3 multi-family residential to B-2 community business district so South Central Pet Care — presently at Skyline Plaza — can open a new facility.

Albert Lea developer Clayton Petersen thanked the councilors who voted for the measure after the meeting, noting he thinks the project will move the community forward and be a great project.

“The building is going to look great,” he said.

He said the project will be good for the community.

“This is finally a move forward for everybody,” Petersen said.

Six operating exam rooms, more space for employees and more operating room are planned for South Central Pet Care at the new facility.

The property — formerly the site of Hanson Auto — is currently used for storage.

Mini storage is also planned for the site.

Marin said the addition will be good for economic development in Albert Lea.

“That’s what we as a council should be supporting in this community.” he said.

City staff said they did not support the measure zoned as a B-2 because they thought zoning gave too much leeway for a developer to possibly construct something that is not consistent with the neighborhood.

Petersen said a planned development district is eventually planned for the property that will allow them to define what they are going to do with the property. He said he plans to bring neighboring property he owns together with the site.

In their dissenting votes, Rasmussen and Schulte said they voted no because they thought the rules and process that needed to be followed for such projects was not done.

Petersen hopes development can begin within 10 days to two weeks, depending on when the permit comes in.