Board recommends approval for University Parkway property to be rezoned to Highway Business limited use

The Winston-Salem planning staff recommended and the planning board unanimously recommended approval of case W3694, a limited‑use rezoning for a 0.9‑acre property at the northeast intersection of University Parkway and Laura Avenue.

Planner Michelle O'Brien told the board the parcel sits along the University Parkway growth corridor and that surrounding parcels already include highway business zoning; staff recommended the limited‑use Highway Business designation to allow new development where municipal services exist. O'Brien noted the North Suburban Area Plan update recommends commercial uses for the site.

Supporters who addressed the board included Judy Stalder and adjacent property owner Judy Griffin. Stalder said the house on the property “is a nice little house, but it's just not comfortable to be used as residential” and that rezoning to highway business would aid sale efforts. Griffin, whose property borders the subject parcel, said she is "not opposed to the rezoning" but expressed concern about traffic if the property is allowed to access Laura Avenue, and asked the city to consider traffic mitigation such as speed bumps.

Staff said sidewalk and access questions will be evaluated when a final site plan is submitted for construction permits; the limited‑use case does not include a site‑specific plan. The board voted to find the request consistent with the comprehensive plan and unanimously recommended approval; the recommendation will be forwarded to the elected review body.