Applicant seeks rezoning on Walnut Shade Road, says infrastructure and neighbors support change

John C. Nichols Jr. asked the Kent County Regional Planning Commission on Sept. 4 to rezone a 6.29-acre parcel on the north side of Walnut Shade Road (about 890 feet west of S. Dupont Highway) from AR (agriculture/residential) to BG (general business). Nichols presented the request at the public hearing and asked the commission for favorable consideration.

Nichols told the commission the staff report was “inconsistent” with on-the-ground conditions and that surrounding development and infrastructure support commercial zoning. He said the property lies inside the county growth overlay and the Woodside Village area, and that “transportation facilities, water and sewer, storm drain systems, systems, and fire suppression facilities are adequate to serve the proposed use either in existence or readily available.” He also said, “For all the foregoing reasons, I respectfully request your favorable consideration and approval.”

Nut graf: The hearing was an opportunity for the applicant to present facts and public testimony; the commission will not decide the rezoning at this meeting. Staff, neighboring property owners and county agencies will continue to be part of the review, and the commission will take action at its scheduled business meeting on Sept. 11.

In his presentation Nichols said there have been several rezoning approvals in the immediate vicinity over the last four years and that an industrial-zoned property touches his parcel to the north. He said his intended use would not compromise the health, safety or welfare of neighbors and noted he had two letters of neighbor support on the record.

Commissioners asked brief clarifying questions. Commissioner Davis described nearby commercial uses and said the area has already seen “general business” development. Commissioner Servan asked the applicant to point to the property on the map; Nichols identified the parcel and reiterated its proximity to existing businesses and to U.S. Route 13. No members of the public spoke in opposition or offered additional testimony at the hearing.

The commission’s public hearing instructions stated that no decision would be made that night; the record will remain open for two business days and the commission requires four votes to take action. The application will be on the commission’s agenda for a business meeting on Sept. 11, when the members will vote on the rezoning.