West Jefferson Board Approves Several Zoning Amendments

Six zoning amendments were approved by the West Jefferson Board of Aldermen when they held their regular monthly meeting on Thursday, April 2. The amendments, and the public hearing regarding those amendments, were originally scheduled for the board's meeting in March, but that meeting was canceled due to the lack of a quorum (Mayor Dale Hudler and two aldermen were unable to attend).

The amendments made the following changes: multi-family dwellings, in conformity with Ashe County Health Regulations, are no longer permitted in residential agriculture districts; Medium density residential districts now permit uses by the Farmer's Market, library and public parks; drive-in restaurants, grocery stores, funeral and mortuaries and hotels and inns are no longer permitted in community shopping districts, but are now permitted in highway commercial districts; truck terminals and transfer companies are no longer permitted in highway commercial districts; and mini-warehouses are now permitted in highway commercial districts.

Each amendment passed by a vote of 5-0.

In other business, the board approved a two-year lease for the Ashe County Farmer's Market. The market has secured their location on Back Street in West Jefferson through March 31, 2011.

Jak Reeves was reappointed to the Alcoholic Beverage Commission Board and will serve a three-year term on the three-member board.

West Jefferson Mayor Dale Hudler requested that $5,000 be allocated to repair the backstop of the baseball field, using advertising funds received through company banners that hang on the baseball field's fence. The board approved the motion 5-0.

The West Jefferson Board of Aldermen will hold their next regular meeting on Thursday, May 7. To find out more about the board or the town's zoning ordinance, contact West Jefferson Town Hall at (336) 246-3551.
-Joel Frady