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Developer seeks rezoning at 1028 Cotton Harris Road; neighbors raise traffic and watershed concerns
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Summary
Anthony Paladino asked commissioners to rezone 1028 Cotton Harris Road from C5 (neighborhood mixed use) to C1 (general commercial) to build flex space; nearby residents and a commissioner raised concerns about narrow roads, drainage and compatibility with adjacent residential neighborhoods. The item was deferred previously and will return to the agenda for formal action.
Anthony Paladino told the commission he is under contract to purchase 1028 Cotton Harris Road (map 23, parcel 64.05) and asked to rezone the property from C5 (neighborhood mixed use) to C1 (general commercial) to allow construction of flex space — a mix of roughly 80% warehouse and 20% office space.
Paladino said the use would be lower-intensity than some uses already allowed under C5, which can include apartments or quick-service restaurants in certain contexts, and said preliminary civil engineering indicates the site can include stormwater controls. "Typically, with flex space... there are box trucks coming in and out. It would not be designed for any semis or tractor trailer vehicles," Paladino said, adding that leases and site-plan covenants can limit tenant vehicle types.
Neighbors and nearby property owners expressed opposition. Scotty Chambliss said residential lots sit on both sides of the property and that the subdivision invested substantially in their homes; he said roads and bridges in the area are narrow and not suitable for increased commercial traffic. A New Hope subdivision resident cited drainage and watershed problems along a creek that runs by the parcel and said an additional commercial driveway at the subdivision entrance could create hazards for pedestrians and children.
Paladino and commissioners discussed setbacks and existing zoning constraints (C5 has a 10-foot minimum setback from the road) and noted the item had been deferred on March 16, 2026. No formal vote was taken at the workshop; the applicant answered questions and the item will be addressed at the next regular meeting where planning staff and affected commissioners can request additional information.
Why it matters: The rezoning would change permissible uses for a parcel adjacent to an established residential neighborhood; commissioners must weigh infrastructure capacity, traffic and watershed protections in the planning review.
What’s next: The request will be on the formal agenda; planning staff will provide staff reports and possible conditions if the commission moves the item to a public hearing and a subsequent vote.
