Commission sends favorable recommendation to council for rezoning of 138 McDowell Lane to R-4; one commissioner votes no

The commission voted to forward a rezoning application for an 8.75-acre parcel addressed as 138 McDowell Lane from R-2 (medium-low density residential) to R-4 (high-density residential) with a favorable recommendation to City Council.

Tom (planning staff) presented the parcel, noting it is split by the SR 437 bypass and that the request would result in split zoning along natural boundaries. He said the application was evaluated for consistency, compatibility and conformance with adopted policies, the future land-use map and the major thoroughfare plan.

Tom reported an estimated gross-density “at the highest end” of about 27.05 units (as presented to the commission). The parcel is recorded as Tax Map 69 Partial 31 in Bedford County records. Tom recommended support, saying the location and corridor character made the request compatible with surrounding plan guidance.

Commissioners asked no substantial follow-up questions during the public discussion. The motion to send the rezoning to council with a favorable recommendation passed on a roll call with one commissioner — Commissioner McGee — recorded as voting no.

The commission’s favorable recommendation advances the application to City Council for final action. Staff noted the split-zoning condition and flagged that the bypass and natural site constraints contributed to the parcel’s unique lot configuration.