By Emily Ford
eford@salisburypost.com
SPENCER — The Spencer Board of Aldermen voted unanimously after a closed session to reconsider part of a controversial rezoning approved last year.
The town recently completed a mediation process with plaintiffs Jerry Snider and Hazel Snider, who sued the town in Rowan County Superior Court after aldermen rezoned parts of Long Ferry Road and the I-85 corridor.
In February 2010, on a split vote, the board rezoned dozens of parcels from residential and commercial designations to Interstate Business. The IB zoning is designed to draw businesses that would benefit from locating near the interstate, Town Manager Larry Smith said.
During the 2010 public hearing, residents complained the rezoning would increase truck traffic in their neighborhood.
The Sniders sued after their appeal failed.
As agreed upon during court-ordered mediation, aldermen voted Tuesday night to send one parcel back to the Spencer Planning Board for a public hearing and consideration of returning the property to residential zoning.
The 9.5-acre parcel faces Snider Street.
Although the Sniders don’t own the parcel, they have standing because they own property adjacent to it, Smith said.
Howard Doby Jr. and David Doby own the parcel.
After a new public hearing, the Planning Board will make a recommendation to aldermen.
A date for Planning Board to reconsider the rezoning has not been set.
Contact reporter Emily Ford at 704-797-4264.