Flooring Firm Receives Expansion Project Approval

By Andrew Gorosko

Following a review of design plans, Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) members have approved a flooring firm’s request to expand its South Main Street building.

On April 3, P&Z members approved the expansion project submitted by R. Mathison Floors, LLC, of 133 South Main Street.

The two-acre site lies in the wedge of land between South Main Street and the northern section of Peck’s Lane. The site has access from both South Main Street and Peck’s Lane. The property is in a M-5 (Industrial) zone.

The project would expand the commercial space to 9,480 square feet, of which 6,480 square feet would be designated for retail use, and 3,000 square feet would be reserved for office use. The expansion project would have the same external appearance as the existing structure.

The firm opened its 3,200-square-foot store at 133 South Main Street in 2000.

Proprietor Robert Mathison told P&Z members that his business will remain open while the expansion project is underway.

Resident Christian Qualey of 1 Cedar Circle inquired about traffic aspects of the project at the P&Z session.

Engineer Larry Edwards, representing the applicant, explained that the traffic restrictions now in effect at the property will remain in force after the expansion is built.

Those traffic restrictions prohibit southbound traffic on South Main Street from turning left into the driveway and also prohibit traffic exiting the driveway from turning left onto southbound South Main Street.

However, northbound motorists on South Main Street are allowed to turn right into the property’s driveway. Also, motorists exiting the site are allowed to turn right onto northbound South Main Street.

There is full entry/exit access to the site from Peck’s Lane.

In approving the expansion project, P&Z members decided that exterior lighting at the site must conform to the “Dark Sky” lighting regulations. Those rules are designed to prevent light from straying off the site and onto adjacent properties.

P&Z members determined that the application meets the terms of the South Main Village Design District (SMVDD) zoning regulations, as well as the M-5 zoning regulations.