Commissioners discuss rezoning on Virtue Road; applicant to return next month with ordinance

At the May 21 meeting the Planning Commission discussed a request from Benchmark Associates to rezone an 8.55‑acre parcel on Virtue Road from S‑1 (Community Service/Agricultural) to R‑1 (rural single‑family residential) to enable a three‑lot subdivision.

Mark Shipley, town planning staff, said the property is bisected by Virtue Road, contains wetland areas and present zoning across the parcel is mixed; staff concluded the R‑1 request is consistent with the town's future‑land‑use map and would support a three‑lot subdivision. "It is consistent," Shipley said, noting part of the parcel is already zoned R‑1.

Applicant Benny Mormon identified himself and said he had nothing to add beyond staff's presentation and that he intends to coordinate with the town on access and Virtue Road improvements. Mormon said, "We fully intend to work with the town on this project." Commission members discussed an existing access easement across a long rectangular tract that could provide access, and the importance of coordinating a boardwalk and trail crossing at Virtue Road so future owners retain access across the street.

Commissioners did not vote on the rezoning at the meeting. Shipley said the item will come back as an ordinance for the board at the town's June meeting; the commission discussed logistics and noted the applicant may not be able to attend but would send a staff representative.

Because this was a discussion item rather than a final action, commissioners and staff focused on access, easements and coordination with planned Virtue Road improvements rather than attaching conditions.