Board approves conditional rezoning for landscaping business near Monroe airport; commissioner recuses

The Board of Commissioners on June 16 approved a conditional rezoning request to rezone a 2.4-acre parcel near the Monroe Township airport to permit a greenhouse and landscaping business (agenda item 25-366, CZ-2024-CZ-011).

Senior Planner Bjorn Hansen presented the proposal and said the parcel, on Sanford Lane, is currently used as a nursery and related landscaping operations. Hansen said the planning board recommended approval and staff found the site could meet county standards. He noted environmental features adjacent to the site, such as a nearby stream and pipeline, but said none were on the parcel itself.

The applicant’s representative, who identified herself as Adriana, said the business employs 14 full-time workers and one part-time employee and hoped the rezoning would allow modest growth and additional hardscape operations; she also asked whether the board could expedite the decision so the company could proceed sooner. Commissioner Balcom announced a recusal, saying his business does work with the applicant; the board took a motion to allow the commissioner to be excused from the vote and he stepped aside for the matter.

Commissioner Sides moved to approve the ordinance revising the official zoning map and to adopt consistency and reasonableness statements; the board approved the motion on a voice vote. Commissioner Balcom did not participate in the vote.

Ending: The conditional zoning ordinance was adopted and the applicant may proceed under the conditions in the approved site plan and special-use list; staff and applicant to follow up on any necessary site-plan revisions and permit work.