Council continues two rezoning requests after first readings; site plans and traffic concerns flagged

The Martinsville Common Council on May 26 heard two first readings of rezonings recommended by the Planning Commission and agreed to carry both items to the June 8 meeting for second reading and further review.

Ordinance 2026-1916 proposes rezoning a property at 2009 Burton Lane from B-1 to R-2 to permit conversion to residential use, possibly a duplex. Planning Commission recommended the change at its April 28 meeting; a representative for the applicant (Mr. Britton noted by staff) and the applicant attended for questions. City staff confirmed notice procedures (a sign on the property and newspaper notice) and that adjoining landowners were notified under local ordinance. Council members said they had no objections to moving to a second reading but requested additional time to study setbacks and traffic flow at the intersection.

Ordinance 2026-1917 was presented by land planner Kevin Bucheit of the law firm Creek DeVault on behalf of an applicant proposing a multi-parcel replat and development at the southeast corner of Ohio and South streets. Bucheit described a preliminary plan that consolidates parcels, refines legal descriptions, and shows entrances on Ohio and South streets; the plan anticipates later civil engineering refinements. Council members asked about signage, frontage, access lanes and impacts on turning movements; Bucheit said the planning commission reviewed entrances and preliminary access considerations and that final civil plans will address drainage and traffic.

No votes were taken; both items are at first reading and were placed on the June 8 agenda for second reading. Council members said they preferred time to review plat maps and traffic impacts before final action.