Commission approves smaller buffer modification at 123 Benedict Road with recusal

The Mainland Planning Commission on July 1 approved a site plan modification at 123 Benedict Road to address a Type A landscape buffer at the rear of the property.

Senior planner Christina Wright explained the request (SP‑25‑18) involves a 0.57‑acre property zoned Highway Commercial that received site plan approval in 2023 and contains an existing septic and drain field at the rear. Wright said the property was platted as part of the Millcrest plat, which shows a 30‑foot natural vegetative buffer behind the property; Type A buffer standards would otherwise require a minimum 20‑foot landscape buffer where commercial abuts General Residential (GR) zoning.

Commissioner Higgins announced he was involved in the project and recused himself from discussion and voting. Owner Richard Davis attended and offered to answer questions but had no substantive remarks. No public speakers opposed or supported the buffer modification at the hearing. A motion to approve SP‑25‑18 passed 4–0 with Higgins recused.

The approval modifies the buffer requirement as requested; the commission’s action was limited to the buffer change described in the submitted site plan and is subject to any remaining staff conditions required for recordation and permitting.