Council approves rezoning to I2 for portion of Grant property after public opposition to proposed RV park

Major Nathan Grant asked the council to rezone roughly 8 acres of his property at Freeman Mill and Jin Mill Road from RA20 (residential/agriculture) to I2 (heavy industrial). Grant told the council he intends to develop an RV/camper park to serve workers and travelers and noted he owns 18 acres in total.

Planning staff said the parcel is adjacent to existing I2 and B2 zoning and that I2 is currently the only district that permits RV parks. The planning board had met previously and recommended rezoning.

Several nearby residents spoke during the public hearing. Allison Thomas, who identified her address as 361 Jin Mill Road, said she and neighbors oppose an RV park, citing a National Association of Realtors reference that such a use can lower nearby property values by as much as 20 percent and expressing concerns about who will be in the park and how noise and animal impacts will be managed. Ryan Smith, who said he lives on 108 Axel Lane, also objected to the proposal because his cul‑de‑sac contains many children and he worried about safety and strangers coming into the neighborhood. Marquita Harrington likewise spoke in opposition, describing the area as a quiet neighborhood ill‑suited to an RV park.

Council deliberated that the rezoning request was consistent with surrounding zoning and then voted to approve the rezoning. The transcript reflects voice votes recorded as 'All in favor? I' with no roll‑call in the record.

Next steps: with rezoning approved, the applicant may proceed with site planning consistent with the I2 zoning and any special‑use requirements; neighbors were encouraged to meet with staff for details about permitted uses and notifications.