News-Record.com

Avid Zoning Commission fans (OK, there aren't many of you) may have noticed that the Bellemeade Village project on the old North State Chevrolet property has been delayed from today's scheduled rezoning hearing.

Half of the Jones Brothers team, Steve Jones, told me this morning that the application is being delayed while they do a traffic study of the streets around there. He said they should be able to get the study in time for the July meeting. They're asking for the property to be added to the "Central Business" district, like the rest of downtown.

The rezoning is critical for the project because the rules for downtown buildings would let them build right up to the sidewalk and make the most out of their land. Right now, the land is "General Business," designed for suburban areas that require them to move their buildings 15 feet back from the sidewalk.

After they get the rezoning, Jones said they could firm-up discussions with the city about aid in the form of new streets and possibly parking decks. City Manager Ed Kitchen has hinted over the past few months at the city's involvement with the development, but nothing concrete has been rolled out to council members.

If you're interested in buying, Steve said you'll probably have to wait a few months to plunk down a deposit. He said they'll wait until after they reach an agreement with the city before they stary marketing so they know better exactly what and how many units and stores they'll be able to build.

Still on the agenda is a smaller downtown condo project, also near the ballpark, brought by Kavanaugh Associates for the north side of Bellemeade between Cedar and Spring streets.