Rising Sun approves rezoning for 8 Cooper Avenue to align with town plan

The mayor and Board of Commissioners voted to approve an ordinance to change the zoning classification of 8 Cooper Avenue from Light Industrial (LI) to Limited Commercial (LC).

Town Administrator presented the proposal and told the board the Planning Commission met on April 27, 2023 and "voted to recommend approval of this ordinance unanimously." The parcel (tax map 10B, parcel 94; tax account 06023975) is about 1.04 acres and is currently a vacant warehouse and storefront. The administrator noted earlier uses included Goody's Appliances and the Southern States Corporation and pointed to a grain mill still attached to the building.

Supporters of the rezoning argued LC better matches the town's comprehensive plan and the character of Main Street, and that LC zoning would reduce the risk of future intensive industrial operations directly adjoining residential neighborhoods. The board moved and seconded the motion to approve the ordinance; the presiding official announced the motion passed by voice vote ('Aye').

The board closed the public hearing portion of the meeting before returning to the regular town session and recorded the passage of the rezoning ordinance. The administration said the change is intended to facilitate renovation for retail and small business occupancies that the new property owner is pursuing.

The next formal steps will follow standard town procedures for implementing the revised zoning designation and updating local records; no appeals or additional conditions were announced at the meeting.