High Point continues Racetrack annexation and conditional zoning hearing to March 3 after sign error

The High Point City Council conducted a preliminary public hearing on an annexation and conditional zoning request from Racetrack Inc. for an eight-acre parcel at the southeast corner of NC 68 (Eastchester Drive) and Gallimore Dairy Road, then voted to continue the matter to the council’s March 3 regular meeting after a sign-posting error on the site notice.

Herb Shannon, senior planner with the Planning and Development Department, presented a combined summary of annexation case 2404 and zoning map amendment 2426. He described the applicant’s request to annex the property to obtain city utilities and to establish a conditional general business zoning to allow a 6,000-square-foot convenience store with fuel service. Shannon said the proposed fuel configuration includes 16 passenger vehicle pumps and 8 diesel pumps intended for trucks and tractor-trailers. Staff recommended the council hear the presentations and public comment, then continue the hearing to a date certain so the sign posted at the site can be corrected; Shannon cited that the mailed notices and legal ad were correct but the on-site public hearing sign contained a typo.

Attorney Mark Isaacson spoke for Racetrack Inc., saying the company assembled the site from multiple parcels, has worked with staff on conditional zoning language, and will include higher development standards required in the Eastchester Gateway Quarter overlay (materials, architectural details, canopy treatments). The applicant’s binding conditions include transportation commitments such as limited access points and construction of a rear access extension of Tynion Street to provide safer routings to signalized intersections at Regency and Gallimore Dairy Road, Shannon said.

Council discussion was supportive of the transportation improvements and of bringing a national chain into the corridor. No members of the public spoke for or against the proposal at the hearing. Councilman Holmes moved to continue the annexation and rezoning public hearing to March 3; Mayor Pro Tem Moore seconded, and the council voted to continue the matter to that date so the corrected on-site sign can be posted and additional public notice observed.

Because the council continued rather than deciding the applications, no annexation or zoning approvals were granted at this meeting; the council will consider final action at the continued public hearing.