Planning Commission recommends rezoning of two Perry Lane tracts to industrial

The Smyth County Planning Commission on Feb. 24 recommended that the Board of Supervisors approve two zoning‑map amendments requested by Richard Jennings for land off Exit 50 on Perry Lane. Jennings asked that a 9.87‑acre tract be rezoned from Commercial to Industrial and that approximately 112 acres be rezoned from Agricultural/Rural to Industrial.

Clegg Williams, county planning staff, summarized the application and noted required notices were published and adjoining property owners were notified. Applicant Richard Jennings told the joint hearing he and his family were “in negotiations to sell the property” and that the negotiations “would cease” if the rezoning did not pass. A nearby resident, William Armstrong of 190 Perry Lane, told the boards he supported the rezoning, saying buyers near interchanges should not expect ‘‘peace and quiet’’ and that the proposed change would be consistent with existing interstate and industrial uses in the area.

After discussion the Planning Commission, noting the County’s Comprehensive Plan identifies the area as Commercial/Industrial, voted to recommend approval. Commissioner Norman Sparks made the motion and Commissioner Dennis Blevins seconded; the recommendation passed unanimously at the Commission level.

The Board of Supervisors will receive the Planning Commission’s recommendation and consider final action. The Planning Commission’s record cites the application as Tax Map Nos. 48C-6-1 (≈9.87 acres), 48-5-1 and 48C-3-54 (≈112 acres). The minutes indicate the joint hearing was advertised in the Smyth County News and adjacent owners were notified.