Rendering of Cashmere proposal

July 15. Will the Cornelius Town Board approve zoning for a six-story building on Jetton Road extension? A public hearing on the proposed Cashmere condominium/mixed use building will be held on Monday July 21, at 6 pm in Town Hall.

About the site

The project is on the northwest corner of Jetton Road extension and Bethel Church Road. It’s now a vacant lot.

Developers Adam and Iryna Jones had filed the required rezoning paperwork in February asking for a six-story project, called Cashmere, and to change the zoning from Village Center to Conditional. According to county tax records, the property is assessed at $224,000.

Cashmere site plan: Jetton runs diagonally across the lower right

What did the planning board think about the proposal?

A majority took exception to the height, recommending three stories, not six, as requested by the developers. Three of four public speakers at the planning board hearing in June also objected to the height. The board ultimately recommended approval, but with only a three stories.

Is the planning board recommendation a slam dunk?

Not at all. Witness the recent series of hearings on the proposed business center on Bailey Road. The planning board recommended approval, but the town board rejected the proposal unanimously.

About the hearing

The July 21 hearing will give the developers, commissioners and residents an opportunity to discuss the proposal, particularly the six-story height. Following testimony, the commissioners will have several options from which to choose:

1. Approve the rezoning but limit the height to three stories, as recommended by the town planning board and town planning staff.

2. Approve the original application which called for a six story height.

3. Reject the application completely.

4. Continue the hearing to a future date, deferring a final decision.

The July 21 hearing will be part of the commissioners only meeting in July and will take place at Town Hall on Catawba Avenue starting at 6 pm. It will also be live streamed on the town website: www.cornelius.org.