The city-county planning commission of Warren, Ky., last week recommended approving a zoning amendment that would allow the construction of a self-storage facility and convenience store in Alvaton, an unincorporated community in Warren. Property owners L.S. and Shelia Cherry plan to develop the 3.6-acre parcel at Alvaton, Old Scottsville and Isbell Roads. The storage facility would consume 2 acres, while the remaining acreage would be used for an IGA or Huck’s Convenience Store with up to four gas pumps, according to the source.

The eight commissioners unanimously voted to approve the application during the Sept. 8 meeting despite opposition from some residents. The area is currently zoned for highway business with a Future Land Use Map designation of “Rural Village,” the source reported. Under the current zoning, development on the site is also restricted to less than 6,000 square feet of space unless the property is connected to a sanitary sewer.

In his application, L.S. Cherry noted the sewer is now available. He also stated nearby residential developments, including Olde Stone and September Lakes, have added economic and physical changes to the area. “This growth in the Alvaton area requires additional supportive development such as fuel, groceries and self-storage to accommodate the additional population,” the application stated. During the meeting, Cherry also argued the project fits with the Rural Village designation.

Resident Brian Holton disagreed. Although he told the commissioners he didn’t have a problem with the self-storage aspect of the development, the convenience store would create a traffic hazard and damage the area’s rural appeal. “We feel that it’s not compatible with the Rural Village designation,” he said. “Huck’s is the ugliest of the convenience stores and would have fluorescent lights on all night. It doesn’t fit the neighborhood.”

Holton was joined in his dissension by fellow resident Jeff Salings, who lives on Old Scottsville Road.

No further information about the development plans is available at this time.

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