Council advances rezoning of 33 acres in Lydia Mill to align land use with OP designation

Council considered and advanced first reading of an ordinance to amend the zoning designation for roughly 33 acres on the northeast side of Popular (Popper) Street in the Lydia Mill section (Lawrence County tax map 901-37-9-025) from R2 to OP. Staff explained the property is a legal nonconforming use under R2 and that designating it OP would allow offices, personal services, retail and a wider mix of commercial uses while aligning the zoning with current on-site activity.

Mr. Meadows said the change "will put it in the correct zoning designation" and that the planning commission had recommended the update. Council member questions confirmed the amendment would not force changes to existing businesses ("nothing is changing the home store") and that the intent is to make the zoning reflect the present use. The motion to advance the ordinance to first reading carried by voice vote; the transcript records "motion carries" but no roll-call tally.