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Commissioners deny rezoning in Rich Square after residents raise spot‑zoning concerns
Summary
The board denied a request to rezone a 1.73‑acre parcel at 4973 Highway 258 from Agricultural‑Residential to Highway‑Business; the applicant had proposed dual use for religious services and an adult day program providing psychosocial rehabilitation. Planning staff and residents objected, citing spot‑zoning and community character.
The Northampton County Board of Commissioners voted to deny a rezoning request for a 1.73‑acre parcel at 4973 U.S. Highway 258 in Rich Square. The applicant sought to change the property’s zoning from Agriculture‑Residential to Highway‑Business to allow both a church and an adult day program (psychosocial rehabilitative services).
Planning staff told the board the Northampton County Planning Board recommended denial, citing concerns about spot zoning and inconsistency with the county’s comprehensive plan. Dozens of nearby residents and property owners spoke at the public hearing, saying the parcel sits in a long‑standing residential and agricultural area and that rezoning it to Highway‑Business could set a precedent that would change neighborhood character. Residents said they had not received adequate notice in all cases, expressed concern about possible future uses if the parcel changed hands, and urged the board to preserve the residential character of the area.
The applicant, Dr. Tanya Queen Melendez, identified herself as a licensed clinical mental health counselor and said she contracted with Trillium and had provided similar services in neighboring counties. She said the former church building on the site was suitable for classrooms and day services and that she sought to provide mental‑health services in partnership with the county. Commissioners and planning staff encouraged the applicant to look for alternative properties already zoned for the proposed use so as not to create a spot‑zoning precedent.
After public comment, a commissioner moved to deny the rezoning; the motion carried by voice vote. Commissioners urged staff and the applicant to work together to identify a different site for the adult day program.
