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Canton Board approves rezoning of 175 Main Street to encourage mixed-use redevelopment
Summary
The Canton Board voted unanimously July 11 to rezone the former mill at 175 Main Street from Heavy Industrial to Light Industrial (I-1) and General Business (C-2), a step officials said will limit disruptive heavy-industry uses and promote flood-aware redevelopment consistent with Chapter 7 of the Land Use Plan.
The Canton Town Board voted unanimously on July 11 to rezone 175 Main Street (PIN 8657-72-2242), changing the former mill property from Heavy Industrial to Light Industrial (I-1) west of the Pigeon River and General Business (C-2) to the east.
Planning Director Byron Hickox told the Board the proposed C-2 and I-1 designations would allow a range of commercial and light industrial uses while excluding many of the intense, disruptive uses allowed under the Heavy Industrial designation. Hickox said the Planning Board had unanimously found the rezoning consistent with Chapter 7 of the Town’s Land Use Plan and recommended approval.
Mayor Zeb Smathers framed the vote as a people-centered approach, stating that "the people not companies will matter in rezoning," and said the change signals that Canton is "open for business" while pursuing higher development standards. Alderman Ralph Hamlett described the change as "a bold move" intended to improve the town’s environment by preventing grandfathering of heavy uses.
The public hearing opened at 6:38 p.m.; no opposing motions defeated the proposal. Alderwoman Gail Mull moved to find the rezoning consistent with the Land Use Plan (citing Goals 2 and 5), Alderman Hamlett seconded, and the Board voted 4–0 to find consistency. Alderman Tim Shepard then moved to adopt the rezoning ordinance, Mull seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.
Why it matters: the new zoning aims to conserve flood-prone lands and steer development toward less intensive uses in flood areas, supporting Chapter 7 objectives for flood mitigation and higher development standards. Town staff noted the rezoning will not "grandfather in" existing heavy uses; permitted uses will be governed by the new districts.
Next steps: the ordinance takes effect under the town’s standard timeline for zoning actions; staff and the planning department will manage implementation and any required permitting for future redevelopment.
