Clinton council OKs zoning, nonprofit funds
At its June 23 meeting, the Clinton City Council approved changes to zoning and funding for a host of nonprofits.
Gateway overlay district
The council approved on first reading setting guidelines for new commercial-building construction along Highways 25 and 61 within the city. It will need to pass a second time to go into effect.
“The whole point of the gateway overlay is to enhance the viewability, the beauty of Clinton from those arterial routes,” Matthew Widner, Clinton building official, told the council.
He said the new rules would prevent builders from installing “just plain metal buildings,” and would instead require a 40% brick, stone, vinyl, wood or stucco finish.
They would also require the developers to go to the Planning Commission.
The regulations would not affect existing businesses unless they’re making substantial renovations.
Apartments near interstate
The City Council also approved on second and final reading a resolution allowing for apartment buildings in the city’s Interstate Business District along North Charles G. Seivers Boulevard. It would be near but not be the same as the Gateway Overlay District.
If approved, the ordinance would permit multifamily dwellings, such as apartment buildings with five or more contiguous units. However, such developments would require special-exception approval from the Planning Commission and could not face or have primary access to arterial roads such as Seivers Boulevard.
The ordinance would also allow the Planning Commission to approve storage yards in several business zoning districts where they are now prohibited.
City Planner Preston Stokes told The Courier News that the Interstate Business District already allows a wide variety of uses, and that some developers have previously shown interest in building apartments in the area.
Nonprofits
The council designated funds for several nonprofits.
“All such funds will be used to benefit the general welfare or provide civic and social improvements of/for the residents of this city,” the resolution stated. These nonprofits received funds:
• Junior Achievement, $5,000.
• Anderson County Office of Aging, $2,000.
• Aid to Distressed Families of Appalachian Counties, $2,000.
• Channel 95 Public Access Channel, $12,000.
• Anderson County Library Board, $80,400.
• Anderson County Economic Development Association, $21,000.
• Anderson County Chamber of Commerce, $15,000.
• The Pearl Foundation, $45,000.
• Anderson County Fair Association, $1,000.
• Recreation-related donations with specific distribution amounts to be determined later total $4,000, the measure stated.
