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Commission backs Somerville rezone to allow single house for family caregiving
Summary
After neighbor testimony and commissioners’ discussion weighing the county growth plan against individual caregiving needs, the commission approved Jerry Somerville’s request to rezone 2.86 acres to permit one additional home to care for an aging parent.
Jerry Somerville requested rezoning of roughly 2.86 acres at 4936 Rockhouse Road from AG2 to R40 to allow one additional house so his family could care for an elderly parent. Somerville said the land has been in his family for decades and offered signed neighbor statements in support. Opponents expressed concern the change could set a precedent on a one‑lane rural road and highlighted the presence of a historic house (Rock Jolly) nearby; Betty Button Finukent described the property’s historical value and urged caution.
Speakers supporting Somerville emphasized the narrow, rural character of the road but argued the request aimed to support family caregiving rather than subdivision development. Commissioners discussed whether to delay the item for additional planning‑staff review or to treat the matter on its individual merits; they ultimately approved the rezoning (vote recorded in meeting minutes). The commission asked staff to consider guidance for similar cases where family caregiving needs intersect with comprehensive‑plan guidance.
