SARATOGA SPRINGS — The City Council has aopted to allow a boutique and hair salon to occupy space in a preschool.

The council Tuesday approved changing an existing rural residential zone for Avondale Academy owners Shawn and Jennifer Jones to neighborhood commercial zoning, against the recommendation of the planning commission.

Their school is at 1417 S. Lakeview Terrace Road, a short distance from Redwood Road. The action could lead to more neighborhood commercial development, officials said.

Councilman Bud Poduska said he was hesitant at first, but now favored moving some commercial away from the city center.

"The residents in that neighborhood have to travel 15 miles round trip just to get a bottle of milk," he said.

"We need more sales tax," Councilwoman Mia B. Love said.

But not everyone favored the decision. Ron Nielsen said he was concerned about commercializing a neighborhood, citing a Salt Lake proposal that would allow alcohol sales in residential areas.

But city leaders said alcohol sales are banned in the neighborhood commercial zone, even in restaurants. Cindy Nielsen said the city has other areas where the two businesses could go.

The businesses are already in operation in private homes, Jennifer Jones said.

E-mail: rodger@desnews.com