Board schedules public hearings on two rezoning requests including proposal for funeral‑home crematory

Fayetteville planning staff informed the board Thursday that public‑hearing notices and required mailings are complete for two rezoning ordinances to be heard at the next regular meeting.

Ordinance 2025‑27 would rezone 521 Market Street West from R‑3 (residential) to C‑3 (commercial) so Gallant Funeral Home can place a 1,200‑square‑foot crematory on property it owns adjacent to existing commercial parcels. Planning Director Gentry said the crematory would be housed in a small building "and it won't scream that that's what it is," and that staff expects at least one resident to speak during the hearing after receiving inquiries.

Ordinance 2025‑28 would rezone 406 Franklin Avenue South from R‑3 to C‑3; that property contains a grandfathered commercial shop and the owner seeks rezoning to align with adjacent C‑3 parcels and enable future expansion. Director Gentry said property‑owner letters were sent and the request was advertised in the Old Valley Times and posted at city hall.

Both items were presented as public‑hearing matters to be decided by ordinance following the hearing; planning staff confirmed required notification steps were completed. The board did not vote on either rezoning at the work session and will hear public testimony and consider final action at the scheduled hearing.

Why it matters: rezoning changes the allowed uses for the properties and can affect adjacent residential areas; the Gallant request in particular drew resident interest because a crematory is a new, specific use for a street with nearby houses.

Next steps: the board will hold public hearings during the regular business meeting and proceed to vote on the ordinances after public testimony.