A proposed zone change in Alexandria could pave the way for a new local small business.
The residential site is at 1030 Cooper Bain Road near Reiley Elementary school and is currently owned by The May Twenty Trust. The proposal will change zoning from residential use to a commercial use. The site currently includes a 500-square-foot house and a 4,500 square foot attached garage.
“A zoning change will allow for growth of a local small business,” The May Twenty Trust said in a statement provided to the commission ahead of Tuesday’s Campbell County Planning and Zoning meeting. “Owning the location will promote greater sense of pride and long-term financial stability.”
No one has not yet been identified to occupy the site, though The May Twenty Trust statement said that the aim is to attract a small business that will contribute to the community.
Contractor David Barone said the site already meets all codes for both residential and commercial use. One example he gave was a 24-foot-long concrete driveway, which meets commercial use codes. There is also a driveway and lot that Barone said corresponds to the usage of a parking lot that a small business would need at the front of the site.
County planning and zoning chair Justin Verst pointed out that a “barndominium” (a home designed to look like a barn) was just built in 2025. He questioned why a zone change would be requested that soon after what appears to be a single-family home was completed.
“Was it ever used as a residential site,” Verst asked. “It just sounds a little fishy.”
Member Sharon Haynes said it seemed like The May Twenty Trust is moving too quickly with the development of the site.
Another concern raised at the meeting about the zone change was traffic, but The May Twenty Trust said in its statement that it has a plan to ease any congestion the change may bring.
A statement from the Campbell County School Board was provided ahead of the meeting, which essentially said they had no comment about the proposed zoning change.
After some deliberation, the change was approved unanimously.
The May Twenty Trust will now have to submit additional site plans. A final review of the development plan will determine whether or not it meets zoning standards.