GREEN COVE SPRINGS – City council members not only quickly approved the first reading for a zoning change Tuesday night, but they also expressed excitement about the prospects of a new complex that will bring 42 housing units, retail shops, a restaurant and bar to the downtown area.

Brian and Jennifer Knight started the process to transform a 1.23-acre wooded lot into what city council members believe will become a vibrant hub of entertainment and living.

“You wowed us,” Councilwoman Connie Butler said. “I hope this is not where it stops. I hope this is where it begins.”

The Knights own the lot on the southeast corner of U.S. Highway 17 and Bay Street. They have a vision to build retail stores and a restaurant and bar with 42 apartment-like units on the second and third floors. They started the long process by asking the city council to change the zoning from Commercial High Intensity and Institutional Future Land Use Designation to Central Business District.

The council voted 3-0 to approve the first reading. Mayor Edward Gaw was absent Tuesday night, and councilman Van Royal recused himself since he’s had a working relationship with the developers.

The council will have a second and final reading of the zoning change request at a future meeting.

In other business, the council formally approved a zoning request that will pave the way for an emergency shelter to be built at 518 N. Pine St. The shelter will offer temporary housing for as many as eight men, as well as counseling and other benefits.

The shelter is expected to be completed by next fall.

Also, Haley Flynn, Jerimiah Mares, Cora Milliken, Tim Reichenbach and Joe Shiller were sworn in Tuesday night by acting chief John Guzman as new officers with the police department, and the council voted 4-0 on the first reading that will lead to a 3% increase – about 43 cents a customer – in monthly water bills to offset increasing costs.