The Martinsville City Redevelopment Commission voted to move forward with rezoning six lots near the Ohio Street interchange to commercial zoning to create a clear path for prospective developers, including a potential hotel and related commercial uses. The motion to pursue rezoning was made, seconded and approved by voice vote.

Commissioners said rezoning to what staff described as a B3 commercial classification would align the parcels with expected development uses and remove a procedural hurdle for developers. Gary, speaking in his engineering/staff capacity, told commissioners the rezoning should be presented to the planning commission in December so that developers can proceed without a rezoning delay. "It should be presented in December," he said.

Members discussed that the six lots in question are those the RDC currently holds and noted the process will require planning commission review and formal submission deadlines: staff said materials must be filed about 20 days before the December meeting to be placed on the agenda. Commissioners agreed the city should initiate the rezoning rather than rely on a private developer to start the process.

The commission approved the motion to pursue rezoning and instructed staff to prepare the required paperwork for the December planning commission meeting. The move is intended to streamline entitlements ahead of planned presentations from developers, including a Marriott/convention center project expected to appear before the commission in December.

Next steps: staff will prepare the rezoning application for the planning commission and complete filings required to place the matter on the December docket.