A request designed to locate a general contracting and consulting business at 290 Arrowood Road was approved Thursday by Tyrone Planning Commission. Board members agreed to amend the Land Use Map to from Commercial (C) to Office (O) and to the rezoning of the one-acre site to OI (Office-Institutional) over the current R-48 (Residential) designation.

Town Manager Barry Amos told board members the Land Use Map shows the one-acre tract as being slated for commercial use but amending the site to office would make a good transition to the area. Responding to questions by the board, Amos said applicant David Millikan had indicated his willingness to fix up the building and had agreed to plant a visual buffer on the property. Transitioning the house from residential use to a business is an advantageous move, Amos said.

“It could be an asset to the downtown area. The more businesses we have downtown, the more downtown will thrive,” he said. “The applicant wants to make it look nice for his customers.”

Chairman Ginger Blackstone agreed with the request, saying that designating the site to Office would be a step up from the current Commercial designation on the Land Use Map.

Commissioner Kevin Edwards expressed initial caution over the rezoning, saying that he was skeptical of turning residences into offices because he seen a number of occasions where such a move did not turn out as intended. The discussion continued, with commissioners Buddy Hay and Ken Matthews saying that refurbishing the house and grounds would make a positive contribution to the area. After the discussion ended, the board voted unanimously to approve the measures.

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