Commission backs rezoning of 1.726-acre lot on 220 South despite neighbor concern

The Henry County Planning Commission on June 10 recommended that the Board of Supervisors approve rezoning case R-26-12, converting approximately 1.726 acres on the west side of 220 South/Greensboro Road, about 350 feet north of Andra Drive (Tax Map 62.7/57,36B,36C), from Suburban Residential and Agricultural (S-R/A-1) to Commercial District B-1.

Director Lee Clark explained that the parcel has substantial road frontage and sits between two commercially zoned properties (R & J Tire Shop and Ridgeway Tire). Clark told commissioners that when a commercial use is proposed through site-plan review, the county has the authority to require "appropriate types of screening or buffering based on the use that is proposed for the property," and staff recommended approval because the property’s location and frontage make it more appropriately zoned B-1.

Jason Vipperman, speaking for his sister Ashlee Mullis, said the family has owned the land since the 1960s and that rezoning would make the property more marketable given its context. Neighbor Harold Bell, who lives at 98 Andra Drive adjacent to the parcel, objected, saying the rezoning "would negatively impact his property" and that "there was enough noise in the neighborhood without bringing a business down that far." Clark responded that an additional lot owned by Mr. Bell provides a natural buffer and that access to the subject parcel would be from 220 rather than Andra Drive.

Dee West moved to request Board approval; Richard Reynolds seconded, and the commission recorded a unanimous recommendation. The matter will move to the Board of Supervisors for a final decision; site-plan review will be used to assess buffering, access, and other conditions if the Board approves the rezoning.