The Wilson County Planning Commission on Sept. 19 recommended approval of a rezoning to C-5 Planned Unit Development for 3.76 acres at 9303 Stewarts Ferry Pike and will forward the request to the county commission in October. The applicant proposed a PUD overlay that lists allowed uses — including convenience/gas stations, restaurants, hotels, retail and offices — and expressly prohibits liquor stores, businesses that derive 50% or more of sales from tobacco or e-cigarette products and truck stops.

Christopher, planning staff, corrected earlier remarks that this was a land-use amendment and made clear it is a straight rezoning that does not require a land-use amendment. He told the commission that the parcel is close to an existing public sewer line and that any connection would require site-plan approval by the planning commission, documentation from the city of Lebanon that effluent capacity is available and approval from the Wilson County Sewer Access Committee. "The sewer access committee will not approve capacity without any site plan approval by this board," Christopher said.

Byron Gill, representing the applicant, described the proposal as a convenience store with retail end caps and said the applicant worked with the county commissioner to restrict uses to fit the character of the Gladeville community. "We are prepared to comply with the restrictions of the PUD and think it'd be a great project for the area," Gill said.

Commissioners asked about sewer capacity, proximity to churches for beer sales and nearby competing venues. Christopher said beer sales would require a beer-board permit and that the county prohibits liquor sales in unincorporated areas. He also said the applicant had committed to screening requirements and that the county engineer advised potential development could be affected by sinkholes, wetlands or steep areas.

Mister Noakes moved to recommend approval and Mister Thompson seconded; the commission approved the rezoning and set the county commission review for Oct. 17. Staff recommended approval.