Fayetteville Commissioners Engage in Diverse Rezoning Strategies for 71B
Fayetteville city commissioners have been actively discussing different approaches to rezoning the 71B corridor. This corridor includes stretches of North College Avenue and South School Avenue, offering significant opportunities for revitalization and growth. The city is currently focusing on nearly 500 land parcels along this route with the aim of supporting more housing options and mixed-use developments.
Public Input and Zoning Process
To ensure community involvement in the rezoning process, the city is hosting a series of public input meetings. These meetings will help inform the development of a rezoning proposal that will be presented for further feedback in late summer 2024. Additionally, residents unable to attend the meetings can provide their input through an online questionnaire available on Speak Up Fayetteville, the city’s online engagement portal.
Planning Commission Approaches
At the Planning Commission’s annual retreat, long-range planner Britin Bostick presented a board highlighting public input for rezoning College Avenue. The commission debated whether to rezone the corridor to an existing zone in city code, modify an existing zoning district, or introduce an additional zone. These discussions highlight the range of strategies being considered to reshape the 71B corridor.
Previous Zoning Examples
Recent examples of rezoning decisions demonstrate the deliberative process involved. For instance, the Planning and Zoning Director Deborah Bell recommended the approval of a residential rezoning request, which the commission approved 3-2. This approval was conditioned on the project’s alignment with the Fayette County Future Land Use Map and Comprehensive Plan. These decisions showcase the care with which the commissioners are weighing the various options for the 71B corridor.
