Williamston approves zoning changes, receives updated Comprehensive Plan

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During their meeting Monday (Aug. 1), Williamston Town Council approved second reading on a General Manner of Driving ordinance, approved 149 zoning changes and heard a presentation on the Town’s updated Comprehensive Plan.
Changes to the General Manner of Driving Ordinance will reduce the current fine for violations in the municipality from $1087, which is what it is under state law, to $100 plus court costs.
Council approved second reading on an ordinance to rezone properties on South Green St., Mill St., Knight St and South Hamilton.
The ordinance changes zoning on 83 properties from R-3 Single Family & Duplex Residential to R-2 Single Family Residential. R2 Zoning has a lot size of 15,000 sq. ft.
Council approved second reading to rezone 56 properties from Wilson Street to Roberts Blvd. The properties are zoned MFR and are being rezoned to R-7, 7000 sq. ft. Ten properties zoned MFR Multifamily residential are being changed to Institutional.
The zoning changes were recommended by the Town’s Planning Commission.
Before approving the changes, Planning Commission Chair Marion Middleton, Jr. said their goal is to build neighborhoods through home ownership and people living in the town. Only one person had a question during the public hearing on the changes.
Councilman Lee Cole thanked the planning commission “for being proactive on this.”
Mayor Rockey Burgess acknowledged work done by his predecessor. “Mayor Mack Durham did a really good job of planning and getting property zoned for the growth when it hits,” Burgess said. “Folks, it is here.”
Councilman Chris Alexander said that there is planning and coordination for the growth the town is experiencing. He said Council is doing “what we think is best for the town. We want growth, but we want good growth.
Jeffrey Guilbault AICP, of the Appalachian Council of Governments, presented information on the Town’s updated Comprehensive Plan. The Town’s Planning Commision has been working with ACOG on the plan for several months.
it is intended to serve as the Community’s vision and to guide development over the next 10 to 20 years, Guilbault said.
It includes information and guidance on Population, Economic Development, Natural Resources, Cultural Resources, Community Facilities, Housing, Land Use, Transportation, Priority Investment and Resiliency.
Council approved first reading on the updated Comprehensive Plan.
Second reading is scheduled for the September meeting of Council.