Village may rezone commercial district

By Rose Hooper

Hooper's appeal followed council action that could eliminate commercial development within the village. With only member, Joe Rossano, voting "nay," council members voted to eliminate the C-1 commercial designation in the village's proposed zoning ordinance.

Thirteen acres that had been proposed as commercial should be changed to residential, a majority of the council decided. Hooper, owner of the property, has announced plans to develop the 13 acres into Cox Center, which would include a hotel/conference center, an apartment complex with 60 units, a restaurant and a park. The property is located at the intersection of N.C. 107 and North Country Club Drive.

The council further proposed rezoning all apartment areas not yet permitted to R-1 single family residential. Summit Apartments and Valhalla student housing would not be affected by this change, council members said.

Another change to the proposed ordinance was the elimination of all-night public lighting. Private security lighting would not be affected.

"You have made substantial - drastic even - changes to your original ordinance. The public needs a chance to see these changes and to comment on them," Hooper said.

Council members tabled additional action until after a second public hearing, which is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, June 17, at the new Jackson County Recreation Park.

A petition signed by 29 Forest Hills residents requesting the property be zoned residential served as a catalyst for the elimination of the commercial district. Increased traffic, noise and lighting from the adjoining commercial development would adversely affect the residential neighborhood, said homeowner Mary Iobst, who initiated the petition.

"People in Forest Hills incorporated to protect their homes and the residential nature of the village," said board member Jim Wallace. "We are trying to do the will of the people."

Mayor Jim Davis called the ordinance with its proposed amendments "a safeguard for the people." He reminded those present of the ordinance's purpose, which is "to promote and enhance the village's unique community atmosphere."

Resident Ian Pritchard asked the council to "leave some options open."

"You need to look at this long term," Pritchard said. "I suggest you leave room for evolvement. If the village evolves into a town, where would the town center be without a commercial designation?"

"It is foolish to eliminate your choices by eliminating the commercial district," said new resident Doug Painter. "If you want the community to grow, don't limit your choices. Besides, you are an incorporated town now, not just a residential subdivision."

When Hooper said his development would "enhance the community, not detract from it," some residents questioned his involvement.

"You might own property here, but you don't live here. We do," they told Hooper.

"My roots here go deep," replied Hooper, who grew up in the area.

On the subject of the village's proposed subdivision regulations, council added the following: "All amendments shall be submitted for approval to the residents of the Village of Forest Hills by a binding referendum." Board member Rossano again objected.

Copies of the subdivision regulations and zoning ordinance are available from village clerk Mary Ann Budahl at Western Carolina University's Hunter Library and in the University Inn lobby. Budahl has also agreed to email major changes to residents.

Back to Archive: 06/06/02.