Lancaster planning commission approves rezoning for 142.9-acre manufacturing site

The Lancaster City Planning Commission voted unanimously Sept. 11 to rezone about 142.934 acres along State Route 33 near Wilson Road from Greenfield Township R-1 (Rural Residential) to the City of Lancaster’s AM (Advanced Manufacturing) zoning designation.

Chasilyn Carter of Community Development presented Case No. 2025.011 and described the request by petitioner Mark Powers c/o attorney Craig Moncrief. Craig Moncrief told the commission the parcels are being annexed into the city and said the zoning change "would bring jobs and advanced manufacturing to the City." The public hearing drew no speakers for or against the proposal.

Commissioner John Sigafoos moved to approve the rezoning; Commissioner Rick Wilkins seconded. The five members present — John Sigafoos, Rick Wilkins, Bob Lovell, Mayor Don McDaniel and Service Safety Director Carrie Woody — voted unanimously to approve. Service Safety Director Carrie Woody carried the motion.

The rezoning applies to four parcels totaling approximately 142.934 acres on the east and west sides of State Route 33 near Wilson Road that are in the process of annexation into the city. The commission did not record specific development plans at the Sept. 11 hearing; staff and the petitioner indicated interest in industrial or advanced-manufacturing uses that could generate jobs locally.

The decision clears a zoning hurdle but does not by itself authorize construction. Annexation and subsequent site- and building-level reviews, permits and infrastructure work will be required before development begins.