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Commissioners rezone two Morgans Avenue parcels to Highway Interchange, citing commercial growth and traffic
Summary
The board approved a map amendment to rezone two small parcels on Morgans Avenue from residential multifamily to highway interchange after the applicant argued the parcels are separated from adjacent neighborhoods and area commercial traffic has increased since the 2012 comprehensive rezoning.
The Washington County Board of Commissioners voted to rezone two parcels at 18128 and 18132 Morgans Avenue from Residential Multifamily (RT) to Highway Interchange (HI).
Kyla Shingleton, comprehensive planner, explained the map amendment is a change‑or‑mistake application: the applicant argues the properties were incorrectly included with an adjacent residential neighborhood in the 2012 comprehensive rezoning and that commercial growth and increased traffic on Morgans Avenue support a highway‑interchange designation. “Staff believes there is logic to now applying the highway interchange zoning classification to these properties based on…their proximity to other commercial uses,” Shingleton said.
Applicant Michael Gurdines told the board the parcels are functionally separate from Seneca Ridge and noted traffic and commercial development have increased since 2012. Nearby business owners and residents who testified supported the rezoning, saying commercial use would improve safety and economic activity in the corridor.
The Planning Commission had unanimously recommended the map amendment after an informational meeting. Commissioners discussed transparency and ensuring neighbors receive timely notice of proposed construction; one emailed comment from Aaron Martin asked for clearer public information. The board approved the rezoning by voice vote.
