With the Troy City Council’s final approval of its long-range plan, what may be one of the most highly debated land issues will return to the table — Highland Avenue.

Three years ago, local landowner KT Cole presented a request to the Planning Commission to rezone a portion of Highland Avenue, but after opposition from nearby residents that request was tabled until the passage of the city’s Comprehensive Community Master Plan.

Now that the plan has met the OK of both the Planning Commission and the Troy City Council, Cole’s request will come to the table once again.

There will be a public hearing on Cole’s request to rezone the first block of Highland Avenue, from lot 100 to 121 at 4 p.m. in Troy City Hall today.

If the request is granted, those properties will become an R-3 High Density Residential Zoning District, while they are currently R-1.

This would change from single-family living to higher-density development that could include multi-family apartments, townhouses and duplexes.

During the planning process, land studies recommended Highland Avenue be rezoned to transition between Troy University and traditional neighborhoods.

“We had the land use study, and it said Highland Avenue was a special district and should be rezoned,” Cole said.

“We’re just asking to do what the study says and rezone.”

In Cole’s original plans, City Planner Calvin Lott said he requested to build apartments on land he owns in that area.

The request to be presented today does not have a specific building request laid out at this time.

“They are requesting rezoning. We’ll have to see what they present tomorrow,” Lott said.

“I’m not sure whether he changed his plans since that time.”

According to the agenda for Thursday’s meeting, this request is met with a letter of support from Troy University.

Where Cole wants to build is nearby Troy University’s football stadium, the National Guard Armory and the First Presbyterian Church.

Church officials and affiliates of Covenant Christian School are some who have been key opposers of Cole’s request.