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COURTLAND

The Southampton County Planning Commission has one public hearing scheduled for the first meeting of the new year.

Brian and Vicky Sementelli have applied for a zoning map amendment that could allow them to establish a trailer and trailer equipment sales and repair facility at 2644 Dogwood Bend Road, Franklin. Welding and fabrication would also be done on site.

This would be part of the couple’s existing business, Semo Trailer Sales, which has been operating for over 20 years in Chesapeake, and has had as many as five employees at one time.

The building that’s already at the aforementioned address has three empty bay garages and an office, which were previously used for auto and farm equipment repair. There are no plans to expand that building.

The agenda packet also includes the note that people who have lived in that area for many years recall a gas station was there long before zoning laws went into effect on Oct. 1, 1968.

For their purpose, the Sementellis have in mind about two acres of a 35.59-acre parcel, which is zoned as R-1, Residential District. The couple is requesting the designated area be amended to CB-3 Conditional Highway Service Business District.

The uses would be limited to auto or truck, truck trailer or bus sales, service and repair. There would be not auto salvage or junk permitted.

Preceding the hearing, the commissioners will first decide who is to be chairman, vice chairman and secretary of the panel.

Jerusalem District supervisor Dr. Alan Edwards returns as liaison for the board. Robert White, the newly elected representative for the Franklin District board, has surrendered his chair on Planning. At last week’s BoS organizational meeting, White nominated Tammie Connally to finish his unexpired term.