Leitchfield planning commission recommends rezoning 6 acres of highway frontage to C1

Leitchfield — The Leitchfield Planning Commission voted on Jan. 12 to recommend approval of a map amendment (RZ25138) requested by Pat Wilson Construction to rezone roughly the front 6 acres of a 23-acre parcel from R1 (single-family, low density) to C1 (highway commercial).

Planning staff told the commission that the parcel fronts a major arterial roadway and is proximate to existing commercial and institutional uses, and that continuing residential zoning would be inconsistent with current development patterns. "Planning staff finds that the continuation of residential zoning at this location would be inconsistent with existing land use patterns," Tyler, planning staff, said during his presentation.

Applicant Pat (Pat Wilson Construction) said he is not proposing to develop the entire 23 acres and that "we're just wanting to do the road front" and sell that frontage; he said the back 17 acres would remain residential and described interest from potential buyers, including a veterinarian and inquiries from VA representatives.

Several neighbors spoke in opposition. Erin Cannon, who lives on Highway 1214, said: "My biggest concern is ... it's 55 miles per hour because it's a state road. There are no shoulders, and it's already having more traffic" with nearby new construction. Meredith Lee of Lee Avenue said she is concerned about access behind properties, telling commissioners: "I already have teachers, already have other people driving through my yard to get to ball games, to get to school. I do not want people to be driving in my backyard."

Commissioners asked staff and the applicant questions about access (Flower Lane), utility lines, buffering and required screening where commercial uses meet residential properties. Staff noted that adjoining property owners were notified of the hearing and that any future commercial development would be required to meet the city's parking, access and screening standards.

After discussion, a motion to recommend approval was made and approved by voice vote. The chair announced the motion "carries unanimously"; Commissioner Kendall had been recused from the RZ25138 hearing and did not vote. The planning commission's approval is a recommendation; the Leitchfield City Council will make the final decision.

The commission record shows the applicant intends to sell the frontage (not retain it), and staff emphasized that rezoning to C1 would allow any permitted C1 uses unless the city places conditions or adopts different controls at later stages. The planning commission closed the public hearing and forwarded its recommendation to the city council.