Properties approved for VA Clinic consideration

At their Tuesday, April 24 meeting, commissioners approved the rezoning of two properties from A-R (Agricultural-Residential) to P-I (Professional-Institutional) as potential locations for the Veterans Administration Medical Clinic. The properties would revert back to A-R within 12 months if no substantial construction or alteration occurs. Among several other conditions, the properties can not be used as a halfway house or facility solely for the purpose of a drug-alcohol rehabilitation center without additional zoning approval. David Allen, planning and zoning director reminded the board that because the VA Clinic would involve some types of drug treatment, the board must wait six months before making a final decision on the rezoning. One property, owned by JAASEE Holdings, consists of 16 acres on Highway 19 north just south of the county’s senior center. Butch Armistead and Paul Harris spoke in favor of the rezoning at the hearing and Sheila Glass spoke in opposition. The other property, owned by Jerry Colwell, is on Highway 19 south across from the primary school and consisting of 147 acres, is also being considered for the VA Clinic. Jerry Caldwell, Patricia Beckham, Steve Reeves, Bethany Randolph, Joel Smith and Jim Totten all spoke in favor while Robin Jones and Gordon Jones opposed the location only. Allen noted that the planning commission recommended denial due to potential traffic congestion and safety. He said the entry would probably be at Old Zebulon Road but it is possible an entry could be created off of Highway 19 near the library. The issue will be up for approval at the October 30 meeting. There are a few places in the city of Zebulon that could be considered for the clinic. ’There are properties in Zebulon that have correct zoning and infrastructure for this use,’ said Zebulon’s city administrator Larry Mitcham.