Sept. 7.  By Dave Vieser. The Cornelius Town Board unanimously approved the rezoning needed for a four-story mixed-use building that will be built on a vacant lot near the corner of Jetton Road Extension and Bethel Church Road.

Details

Developer Justin Ckezepis (Skadoosh Properties) of Cornelius plans to erect a mixed-use building comprised of retail, commercial and office space on the first two floors with four residential units on each of the top two floors.

Skadoosh Properties mixed-use on Bethel

—A rooftop amenity area is proposed and parking for up to 16 vehicles will be provided in an underground parking lot.

—Additional parking will be behind the building in an existing parking lot.

—Ckezepis plans to include restaurant space. There will not be a drive-through.

Lower height sealed the deal

Initially, Ckezepis wanted permission for a six-story structure, but after hearings with the town and residents, he lowered the proposed height to four stories, which sailed through both the Planning and Town Boards with no opposition from residents. Commissioners commended Ckezepis for working with the town and the community, by proposing a “smart growth project” which will create jobs.

Ckezepis

In other action, the commissioners:

—Discussed a zoning change which would permit Carolina Springs Auto Spa on West Catawba Avenue to expand their car detailing section. Although the business already has conditional zoning, the permit was obtained years ago and prevents the owner from expanding their business northward, closer to adjacent residentially zoned property. The board members expressed some concern about the access to the car wash, and Deputy Town Manager Wayne Herron indicated that this issue, which is under the control of the NCDOT, would be reviewed with them. A public heating will be scheduled for a later date.

—Appointed Planning Board Chair Susan Johnson to fill an unexpired two-year term to the Land Development Code Advisory Board (LDCAB).