Mayodan council approves special‑use permit for townhomes at 224 Taft Street over neighbor objections

The Mayodan Town Council voted unanimously April 13 to approve a special‑use permit allowing nine townhomes at 224 Taft Street, imposing conditions intended to protect fire access, visibility for emergency responders, waste‑management screening and buffer landscaping.

Town Manager Melody Shuler explained that townhomes are a special use in the R‑6 zoning district and that the Planning Board had recommended approval with conditions. The approved conditions require a minimum 20‑foot fire apparatus access, directory or building signage if units are not visible from Taft Street, screened dumpster and waste areas, and landscape buffering along property lines adjacent to existing residences.

Neighbor Robert Crest, who said he lives next door at 222 Taft Street, spoke in opposition and described the neighborhood as "quiet and peaceful" during the 15 years he has lived there. "I really don't want those townhouses there...to put a townhouse, there would be more traffic there, more noise there," Crest said. The applicant, James Lemons of Cold Creek Contracting, clarified that the development will consist of nine two‑story townhome units with a paved parking area and a dumpster pad screened by a privacy fence.

Councilmembers asked technical questions about infrastructure and site layout; Town staff and the Technical Review Committee confirmed review by fire, public works and county planning. With the recommended conditions adopted and the required findings of fact affirmed, Council approved Special Use Permit SU‑001‑2026 for nine units (motion by Councilmember Miller, seconded by Councilmember Barnes; Ayes: Barnes, Cardwell, Goard, Miller, Shelton).