Stiffer zoning regs urged by commission

By Rupert Howell

Batesville Planning Commissioners agreed last week to recommend an amendment to the city’s zoning ordinance that adds a long list of conditions to the Downtown Square area currently zoned C-1 (Commercial 1).

That recommendation now goes before the board of mayor and aldermen for a public hearing. The amendment comes following the successful launching last year of the Polar Express that coincided with revamping the downtown area to make it more pedestrian friendly, Code Office Administrator Pam Comer explained to commissioners, reminding them that city officials had mentioned the need for more control of types of businesses going there.

Commission board action came after approval of several requests  for exemptions, conditional use permits and vendor licenses during the monthly meeting held at City Hall.

Miley Davison was granted a two-year conditional use permit to headquarter an  outreach center serving 12-21 year-olds at 115 Wood Street. 

She explained the location would be used as a headquarters but if large gatherings were to take place, arrangements would be made to use the nearby Patton Lane Community Center. 

Commissioners voted to recommend a two-year conditional use permit and a public hearing was set for July 5.

Raceway Convenience Store was given a go-ahead for a 15×15 stucco style storage building somewhat matching the gas station/convenience store on Highway 6 East.

Spokesman for Raceway Steve Branning said those stores usually don’t have  storage before stating, “Those guys are doing a heck of a food business out there.”

Wade Aldridge’s request for a variance from a cul-de-sac and curbs and gutters on a planned road north of Eureka Road and near the Country Club golf course being developed by the future homeowners was approved and now goes to the city board and a public hearing.

Signage for Collier Dental in the old C-Spire building on Cracker Barrel Drive was approved and Pauline McCullough was authorized for a permit to sell peaches from the traditional location on Highway 6 east in Batesville.