Owner seeks rezoning of 8 Cooper Ave; public hearing set for May 9

The mayor and town administrator read Ordinance 2023‑03 into the April 13 minutes, initiating a zoning change request for 8 Cooper Avenue in Rising Sun. The property, described in the reading as a 1.04‑acre parcel (Tax ID 06‑U‑023975) at the corner of Cooper and Crothers streets, is currently a vacant warehouse and storefront; the new owner has applied to rezone it from Light Industrial (LI) to Limited Commercial (LC).

Town Administrator explained the change is intended to align the parcel's zoning with adjacent nonresidential uses along West Main Street and to avoid repeated use of variances or special exceptions when owners seek retail or light commercial tenants. The administrator said the Planning Commission will review the application and that the board will hold a public hearing on May 9; advertising and required legal steps will be completed prior to that hearing.

The ordinance reading included statutory boilerplate required by state zoning law and noted the planning review process and public input opportunities. No public testimony on the rezoning was recorded during this meeting; the public hearing will permit supporters and opponents to speak.