Council approves rezoning of 303 First Avenue to allow business uses

Mount Holly City Council approved a rezoning request for tax parcel 184436 (303 First Avenue), changing the property from R12 single-family to B3 general business after a staff presentation and an applicant statement. Planning staff presented the application, noting the site is in the South Gateway overlay district and received a favorable Planning Commission recommendation; staff said the property currently operates as a daycare and that a range of B3-permitted uses, including medical offices, would be allowed if the rezoning is approved.

At the public hearing, an applicant who identified himself as Brady said his group hopes to purchase the property and plans roughly $400,000 in primarily cosmetic site and interior upgrades. He said the building would be configured for multi-tenant medical uses—examples mentioned included physical therapy and counseling services—but added that parking and civil engineering requirements will determine final tenant types and occupancy. Brady said no tenants were yet secured.

On a motion by Mr. Reeves, seconded by Mr. Brooks, council approved the rezoning unanimously by voice vote. Staff and the applicant were present to answer questions during the hearing.

The rezoning places the parcel within the South Gateway overlay, which the presenter said includes architectural standards and a list of permitted and prohibited uses. Planning staff characterized the change as not constituting spot zoning because adjacent parcels have B3 zoning.