The U.S. 701 Super Street project in Whiteville is changing the landscape in more ways than widening the bypass.
A developer has asked the city for permission to rezone two properties for commercial development, in part because the highway project will force demolition of a building.
Autry Dawsey has requested that Whiteville City Council rezone 614 Powell Boulevard and the adjacent 215 South Smith Street to B3 zoning, which would allow commercial development. The planning board forwarded the request with a positive endorsement.
Currently the property is zoned Residential R6-MF. The three lots cover approximately one acre, part of which is home to a closed urgent care clinic and parking lots. The rezoning request shows similar developments on either side, including two fast food establishments toward Washington Street.
The request says that the properties would be combined with other adjacent lots for “a future commercial site.” The application notes that the request is consistent with the city’s future land use map.
The B3 zoning designation would allow for restaurants, retail stores, professional offices, general commerce or a motel.
A public hearing on the request is on the agenda, and council is expected to vote on the request at tonight’s meeting.
