By Liz Moomey
liz.moomey@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — David Watson and John R. Flowers Jr. got approval from the Board of Adjustment for a variance request to move a required 75-foot setback to approximately 200 feet due to an existing drainage easement and a 100-foot Duke Energy right of way at Tuesday’s meeting.

Watson and Flowers are planning to own a lot in the 100 block of Mooresville Road, or Salisbury Village Lot 6, to build a NAPA Auto Parts.

The building would have to be up against the Duke Energy right of way to comply with other ordinances when building the parking lot. Teresa Barringer, zoning administrator, said this was the petitioner’s first major obstacle.

“The petitioners understand that today’s request is for the variance of the setback only,” Barringer said.

Chair Bill Wagoner asked for more specifics about the right of way.

Barringer said the right of way has been problematic for that lot and the one next to it.

The board also asked about the safety of pulling into the lot and the petitioners said they planned on having the entrance on the private road and not Mooresville Road.

John Struzick asked Flowers and Watson what the appeal of the lot was.

“We’ve driven by that lot quite a few times and it’s a beautiful lot,” Watson said. “It makes a lot of sense for us.”

Flowers added his family has been in business with NAPA since 1922 and they own 19 locations.

With the approval from the Board of Adjustment, Watson and Flowers said it gives them the go ahead to finalize buying the lot.

The Board of Adjustment was also introduced to the interim planning manager, Brian Hiatt.