Highlands commissioners deny rezoning request for Dillard Road property after public concerns

The Highlands Town Board of Commissioners voted March 19 to deny a petition to rezone a 1.21‑acre parcel on Dillard Road from R‑1 residential to B‑3 commercial, following public safety and neighborhood‑character concerns voiced by residents.

Michael Mathis, the town’s zoning and planning director, summarized staff and planning board work on the application, saying the petition was received Dec. 19, 2025, and that the planning board had recommended approval. Several residents who live near the parcel urged denial during the public hearing. "125 years has brought change to Highlands, and not all of it welcome," said Kathy Henson, who identified herself as a homeowner and custodian of the historic Sloan Gardens and spoke on behalf of the Highlands Neighborhood Coalition.

Anne Wilson, a neighbor at 719 Dillard Road, described safety issues on the nearby corridor and warned that commercial use would increase traffic: "I would not walk up 106 if you gave me 1000000 dollars now," she said, describing difficulty leaving her driveway. Alex Nelson and other commenters warned of incremental "zoning creep," urging the board to protect the residential character of the area.

Commissioners debated whether the parcel is a logical commercial candidate given its corridor location and whether the town should wait for a comprehensive, townwide review of zoning before approving piecemeal changes. Commissioner comments repeatedly referenced both the town’s desire to protect Main Street’s character and the limited availability of sewer and water outside the central business district.

Commissioner (mover) made a motion to deny the rezoning; the motion was seconded by another commissioner. The initial vote was split, and Mayor Bill Grove cast the deciding vote to approve the motion to deny. Mayor Grove explained he was "grappling" with workforce‑housing concerns and with a preference for a comprehensive zoning review, but joined the denial vote, making the final tally 3–2 in favor of denial.

The board also adopted a required reasonableness and consistency statement related to the unified development ordinance and the town plan as part of the record.

What happens next: The rezoning request was denied and the record now includes the board’s inconsistency statement. Any resubmission or related zoning changes would need to follow statutory notice and planning‑board review procedures.