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Mooresville denies conditional rezoning to allow auto sales at 1179–1181 Mecklenburg Highway
Summary
The Board denied a request to amend a conditional zoning to permit vehicle display and sales at 1179 and 1181 Mecklenburg Highway, finding the proposal inconsistent with the town's Future Land Use map and the neighborhood residential designation for the corridor.
The Mooresville Board of Commissioners denied a conditional rezoning request to amend existing conditions at 1179 and 1181 Mecklenburg Highway that would have allowed outdoor vehicle display and auto sales.
Planner Veronica Bateson told the board the 0.82‑acre site currently carries a conditional zoning that restricts uses to taxi service and other limited activities. The applicant, owner Vladimir Studenetz, asked to allow personal and commercial vehicle sales and display, newly proposing up to six display vehicles on the front of the lot. Planning staff reported the applicant had previously asked for up to 20 display vehicles; the Planning Board had unanimously recommended denial of that larger proposal after a neighborhood meeting attracted two attendees who supported the applicant’s earlier request.
Several commissioners said the proposed change was inconsistent with the town’s 1 Mooresville comprehensive plan, which designates the site as Neighborhood Residential on the future land use map. Commissioner Dingler moved to deny the conditional rezoning, saying the proposed auto display use would be inconsistent with long‑term corridor goals; Commissioner DeWeese seconded. The board voted to deny the amendment.
Members noted practical concerns about lot layout and parking. Commissioners and staff observed that the building footprint and the parcel width make fitting six display vehicles in front of the building cramped and that the corridor’s intended character does not favor freestanding auto display lots in that location.
Applicant Vladimir Studenetz spoke briefly and said he sought six front display spaces with additional parking behind the building; he indicated there is existing gravel and some paved area and that the site includes a fence along parts of the lot. The board encouraged the applicant to work with staff on alternatives consistent with the corridor vision and offered limited staff assistance to guide future proposals.
Commissioners approved the motion to deny, concluding the request was not consistent with the comprehensive plan and not in the public interest because it would create an inconsistent development pattern along Mecklenburg Highway.
