Commission approves rezoning for possible VA clinic location

Commissioners approved rezoning requests for a possible VA clinic location on Highway 19 north. According to planning and development director Brad Vaughn, the county first considered the rezoning six months ago but since the facility may deal with drug treatment options or diagnoses for patients, the county had to wait to make the decision. He also said both of the parcels that were rezoned will be combined into one parcel if selected by the VA as the clinic location. ”This is an incredible opportunity for Pike County and we will never, ever have this opportunity again in our lifetimes,” said Butch Armistead who spoke in favor of approving the rezoning during a public hearing. “It will be a 68,000 square foot building with class A office space. We expect it to be somewhere from 6 to 10 acres and sewerage will be provided through the city. This will bring quality jobs to Pike County as well. The request for rezoning was made by property owners and applicants John Edwards Jr. Allie E. Armistead and Laure E. Fisher to rezone property on Highway 19 north with around 1,370 feet of total frontage along the eastern side the of the highway. The other request is by JAASEE Holdings LLLP to rezone property off Highway 19 north as well.