Loudon City Council approves rezoning of 6622 Westley Highway to P1 after divided debate

Loudon City Council on June 23 approved on first reading a rezoning application that changes the zoning for 6622 Westley Highway (Tax Map 048, Parcel 104), approximately 0.26 acres, from C1 to P1. The motion passed 3-2 following an extended discussion about whether the parcel should be handled as an R1 single‑family request instead.

The vote capped a debate that referenced a prior workshop where several council members said they expected the applicant to reapply for R1 to align the parcel with surrounding low‑density residential properties. Mayor Harris introduced the item and noted that the application had been returned to the planning commission, which “came back with a unanimous vote from their board to rezone this” to P1.

Council members who opposed approving P1 said they preferred R1 to avoid what they described as a potential spot‑zoning outcome and to preserve single‑family residential character along the strip. Those voices emphasized that allowing P1 could enable higher‑density uses, including R2‑level development or nonresidential uses, and that reapplying for R1 would take roughly three to four months because it must return to the planning commission and then require two council readings.

Council members in favor said the applicant had requested a path that would allow the change to proceed sooner and that approving P1 tonight would conclude the immediate matter. Professor Finch, who spoke for staff, said the parcel and several adjacent properties currently hold C2 zoning and that staff had previously advised the applicant that rezoning to R1 would be a reasonable way to achieve a single‑family conversion. “This property is currently zoned C2 as are several adjacent properties,” Professor Finch said. “I was part of the discussions when the applicant first came in… the staff advised him that a rezoning to R1, in our opinion, would be a reasonable way to achieve what he wanted.”

The recorded roll call on the motion was: Council member Ridings — yes; Council member Cardwell — no; Council member Newman — no; Mayor Harris — yes; Vice Mayor Dixon — yes, producing a 3‑2 margin in favor of P1. The council scheduled the public hearing/second reading for July 28 at 6:25 p.m.

The transcript shows the applicant indicated willingness either to accept P1 or to reapply for R1 if the council voted the other way, but the council’s discussion repeatedly returned to protecting neighborhood character and whether to force the applicant to restart the process. No formal amendment to the motion was recorded.

The item originated from a planning commission referral; the commission had recommended approval to P1 unanimously. Whether the applicant will reapply or seek a different zoning classification in the coming months was not decided during the council meeting.

Ending: The rezoning moves forward to a second reading on July 28; council discussion noted potential delays and additional applicant costs if the owner chooses to reapply for R1 rather than proceed under P1.