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Planning commission recommends rezoning for two Moore Street buildings to allow professional and civic uses
Summary
The commission voted to recommend rezoning three small parcels near downtown from C‑1 to P‑1 to allow adaptive reuse of two rehabilitated buildings for professional, instructional and small commercial uses; the recommendation will proceed to city council for two readings.
The Loudon City Planning Commission voted Thursday to recommend rezoning three parcels in the downtown area from C‑1 Central Business District to P‑1 Professional and Civic District, a change the applicants say will provide more flexible use options for rehabilitated buildings at 302 and 304 Moore Street.
Property owners Bill and Sherry Watkins told the commission they plan to rehabilitate the older wood and brick buildings and want the P‑1 designation to allow possible professional uses, small commercial activities and community classes. Bill Watkins said the wooden building’s character could support activities such as “spinning classes, weaving classes” and other small-scale instructional uses.
Commission discussion framed the proposal in the context of downtown planning. A commission member noted concerns that rezoning should not constitute spot zoning, but a planning commissioner concluded the change would not unfairly favor a single property owner because it allows uses already consistent with surrounding commercial activity.
Why it matters: the change would broaden allowed uses for two small, historically older buildings and could accelerate rehabilitation and new small-business or professional occupancy in the city’s downtown area.
Details and next steps The application covers three small adjacent parcels; the applicants said the brick and wood buildings are joined by a narrow passage (about 6–8 inches) that the owners intend to close off internally. Commissioners noted the parcels sit amid an area intended for mixed residential and commercial use under the downtown growth plan.
A commissioner observed the recommendation will go to the city council and requires two readings. The planning commission’s vote to recommend rezoning was carried by voice vote; the transcript records the commission as forwarding the recommendation to council for formal action.
Background Applicants stated the buildings are being rehabilitated to permit rental or owner occupancy for professional offices, instructional uses or similar small commercial operations. Commissioners and staff discussed the downtown plan’s objectives and the need to balance the plan with property owners’ rehabilitation efforts.
