Bland supervisors approve rezoning of Building 9 at 696 Main Street

The Bland County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on Dec. 17 to rezone Tax Map 91A2-2-3A, Building 9 at 696 Main Street, from Agricultural to Commercial. The change was recommended by the county Planning Commission and approved on a motion by Supervisor Stephen Kelley, seconded by Supervisor Patrick Groseclose.

Planning Commission Secretary Joel Cagle presented the commission’s recommendation to the board during a public hearing. Neighbors attending the hearing raised concerns about the kinds of businesses that might occupy the site. Richard Ingram asked how residents would be notified about proposed business types and said he worried specifically about a sports bar at the location. Barbara King said she was concerned about traffic, trash, noise and lights that a commercial operation could bring to the neighborhood.

The board did not place limits on specific uses in the motion recorded in the minutes; the rezoning moves the property from the agricultural zoning district to the commercial district, making commercial uses permissible under the county’s zoning map. Supervisor Stephen Kelley made the motion to approve the rezoning; Supervisor Patrick Groseclose seconded. Roll call recorded all four supervisors voting yes.

The board moved on to its other agenda items after adopting the rezoning. The minutes do not record any conditions attached to the map amendment or details about subsequent permitting for specific businesses.