Developers hoping to build commercial real estate on residential property behind Signal Crossing shopping center will present their rezoning proposal to the Signal Mountain Planning Commission during a public hearing Wednesday, Aug. 9.
The 8.5-acre lot at 617 Cauthen Way is currently zoned low-density residential. If the rezoning request is approved, the lot would be changed to highway commercial, which is designed for businesses or structures that serve motorists, such as drive-thru establishment and gas stations, as well as offices and retail stores.
The request was made by The Keith Corporation, a North Carolina-based commercial real estate firm that also owns the Signal Crossing property. During the July 6 planning commission meeting, TKC representatives asked for the rezoning vote to be deferred for 60 days, though they shared one of their potential plans for the space: construction of a 40,000-square-foot box store.
Some residents have already begun voicing concerns about the rezoning request, citing issues like increased traffic, among others.
"The 40,000-square-foot lot needs to stand out to people because that's bigger than Pruett's, and it's going to have a parking lot like Pruett's," said James Boulevard resident Wendi Morgan, who spoke in opposition at the July meeting. "It's ridiculous to add more commercial space when we can't fill what we've got."
At next week's meeting, officials from the firm will present other potential ideas for the lot and listen to residents' questions and concerns. After the meeting, attendees will have the option to visit the property with planning commission members and TKC personnel.
"They do seem intent on engaging the community and getting input," said Town Manager Boyd Veal. "They seem to be very open to taking a slow, methodical approach to it so they make sure that they address, to the extent possible, the concerns of the neighbors and the community as a whole."
Veal encourages all who are able to attend to do so. The public hearing will be held at Signal Mountain Town Hall at 5 p.m.
Email Myron Madden at mmadden@timesfreepress.com.