Board approves gas station on Calderwood Highway

By Joel Davis
of The Daily Times Staff

The Blount County Board of Zoning Appeals has approved construction of a gas station on Calderwood Highway.

The BZA members voted unanimously to approve the request, by former State Rep. Clifford “Bo” Henry and his son, Stephen, for a special exception to build a convenience store at 5908 Calderwood Highway. BZA Member Larry Campbell made the motion for approval. Member Gordon Wright seconded.

Bo Henry said the gas station would fill a need in the area. It would allow members of the community a place to congregate and it would also help motorists, he said.

“If you come in from North Carolina, you have to drive almost 25 miles to find a service station,” he said.

Henry also said the gas station would use full-cutoff lighting in order to limit the impact on a nearby residence and avoid light pollution.

“I appreciate you addressing the issue,” Campbell said.

“We build good things,” Henry said.

No one spoke in opposition to the request.

This is the first gas station approved since the County Commission voted on Sept. 20 to allow convenience stores and gas stations as special exceptions in rural areas of the county. The Planning Commission has recommended adding those types of businesses to the special exceptions allowed in the R-1 zoning district.

Lighting standards for rural businesses have been a subject of discussion lately. The Blount County Planning Commission on Sept. 28 recommended approval of basic standards for the lighting of commercial businesses while Planning Director John Lamb develops more restrictive guidelines.

In other business, the BZA approved construction of an assisted living facility at the corner of Morganton Road and Wells Road. The site will include 180 assisted living units and 50 standalone “independent living” cottages for single families.