Newbern City Recorder Jason Roberts explains to aldermen Mary Dycus and Robert Hart the rezoned area as Bill Parks (hidden), Larry Fesmire, Olen Parker and Kathy Clements wait their view of the map. [Click to enlarge]

A public hearing at 6:30 p.m. drew little comment, though the board -- aldermen Mary Dycus, Robert Hart, Bill Parks, Larry Fesmire, Olen Parker and Kathy Clements -- discussed the two residential houses currently occupied in the rezoning area.

Mayor K.W. Dennison was absent; vice-mayor Fesmire presided over the meeting.

Dycus and Hart suggested notifying the homeowners of the rezoning decision; city recorder Jason Roberts said the rezoning was sufficiently advertised in the weeks leading up the second reading. Parker asked about the possibility of a 30-day window for the affected homeowners to appeal the rezoning.

The two people who conversed with the board was Jeff Harrison and Wendi Mills. Harrison cautioned the board to be certain of the outcome of the existing homes for the homeowners' sake; Mills, street department bookeeper who is Clement's daughter, suggested zoning by structure.

The vote was 5-1, with Dycus voting against the rezoning. The board voted to approve the 30-day appeal window in the vote.

Parks made the first motion; Hart seconded the resolution.

The area rezoned extends from Granite Drive in the Graystone Subdivision almost a half-mile east along Highway 77, for 500 feet on both sides of the highway, to Washington Street/Highway 211.

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The rezoning is hoped to spur commercial development in the 77 corridor, said Roberts.

The Newbern Regional Planning Commission had previously approved the rezoning.

Beer permit approved

A beer license was approved for the future owner of Jerry's Market at the corner of Sharps Ferry Road and Highway 77 in Newbern.

The vote was 5-1, with Alderman Mary Dycus voting against the motion.

Danny Patterson of Cox Oil Co. and Maverick Inc., the firm that owns the Little General store on the opposite corner from Jerry's. Police Chief Harold Dunivant said Patterson had no record to prevent the city from issuing the permit.

The vote was taken after the city board meeting had been adjourned, with the board meeting immediately after as the beer board.