The Planning Commission for the City of Blue Ridge approved the Green Rocks, LLC Ada Street rezoning request at the December 3 meeting held at City Hall.
The first case presented during the meeting was that of Mike Galinski operating as Green Rocks, LLC regarding the empty lots at 51 Ada St. next to the Hampton Building where Blue Jeans Pizza is located.
Planning, Zoning and Project Manager Jeff Stewart said he had no issues with changing the zone from C-2 (General Commercial) to CBD (Central Business District) because the adjoining property “to the west and to the south” was already CBD. However, he said depending on what was going to be put there, the water and sewer lines may need to be upgraded and also mentioned the road may need to be improved as well. Stewart said he felt those changes should be at the owner’s expense. “I think they should bear the cost of that. Other than that, I have no objection,” Stewart said.
Attorney Lynn Doss spoke for Galinski and his partner Brenda Battaglia saying they didn’t know what the water and sewer capacity was and also realized the road was narrow. “Truly, exactly what will be done there depends upon what we’d be allowed to do there,” she said.
She added that the business wasn’t opposed to helping make improvements to the water, sewer or road.
While the future plans for the property are up in the air, it’s possible it could be used as a parking lot for the city, she said. “We wouldn’t be doing anything in a vacuum. We’re not gonna try, all the sudden, oh, gee there’s a circus tent there tomorrow,” Doss said.
Resident Angie Arp asked if another four-story or 60’ building could be built there and commissioner Mark Engledow said, yes, the property could be used for anything that was allowed per the zoning parameters list for CBD. No one spoke in opposition.
Commissioner John Soave made a motion to approve the request with the condition that when any plans are presented in the future any upgrades for road, sidewalks, water lines and sewer lines be considered at the owner’s expense.
Commissioners Thomas Kay and Mark Engledow approved the motion. The group clarified that the conditions would stay with the land, not the owner. Commission Chairman Rick Skelton was absent.
Commissioner and Vice Chairwoman Cindy Trimble recused herself from voting due to having worked on other projects with Galinski. “Per the city attorney I could have done whatever I wanted and been within the law, but I did not want to leave any question,” Trimble said.
City council members will hold the second hearing at a special called meeting later in December.