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Council rezones 32–33 acre parcel to R‑2 ahead of potential school construction
Summary
The Marion City Council unanimously approved rezoning a 32–33 acre parcel between East Court Street and Ridge Road to R‑2 (Neighborhood Residential) at the request of the McDowell County Board of Education; staff noted any future development will require a traffic impact study and compliance with state and city standards.
The Marion City Council voted unanimously on May 19 to rezone a roughly 32–33 acre parcel located between East Court Street and Ridge Road to R‑2 Neighborhood Residential after a presentation by Interim Planning and Development Director Vance McNees.
Mr. McNees said the applicant is the McDowell County Board of Education and emphasized that the council was considering zoning only, not a specific proposed use. He described the property as currently split-zoned and said the requested rezoning would unify the site and align it with the city’s Future Land Use Map. McNees said the applicant referenced need-based funding of $42,000,000 and estimated construction could begin in one to two years, while cautioning council that the rezoning permits a range of uses under R‑2.
During the public hearing a community member raised concerns about traffic impacts and potential access through the adjacent residential area. Mr. McNees responded that proposed access would be from East Ridge Road, not through the neighborhood, and that any development would require a traffic impact study and adherence to North Carolina General Statutes and city standards. Council Member Juanita Doggett moved to approve the rezoning; Mayor Pro Tem Ann Harkey seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.
Maps and application materials are available in the Planning and Development office and in the online agenda packet, according to staff.
