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Commissioners agree to study amendments to Business Center zoning after split vote
Summary
The board authorized staff and solicitors to draft possible amendments to the Business Center district zoning to permit limited light‑industrial uses, after commissioners split 3–2 on whether to proceed. Proponents said changes would support long‑standing local businesses; opponents warned against rezoning to benefit a single owner.
The Community Development Committee asked the board on July 19 to authorize township staff and the solicitor to prepare proposed amendments to the Business Center zoning district to allow certain light industrial uses. The motion — framed as an authorization to "look into" text amendments rather than a rezoning — passed after discussion and a recorded split vote.
Several commissioners said they were hesitant to change long‑standing zoning rules solely to benefit one business, while others argued the proposed changes would add needed flexibility for property owners. Julie Von Screpsen, representing Industrial Investments, said the Business Center district already contemplates light industrial uses and that the text amendments would align the code with the comprehensive plan.
"The zoning ordinance ... contemplates light industrial uses," Von Screpsen said, asking commissioners to authorize a targeted text amendment rather than a full rezoning. After board discussion the chair called the vote: three commissioners signified "aye" and two commissioners voted "nay." The board directed staff to consult the planning agency and building department and to return language for further consideration rather than immediately changing the zoning map.
