Planning Commission - Regular Meeting

I drink wine.

2026 meeting to order.

Join me. I'll join you. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic from which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Thank you all very much. Mr. Fowler-Sommers, would you call the roll, please?

Mr. Benberry. Here. Mr. Chapman. Commissioner Griffin. Here. Commissioner Heath. Commissioner Kaler.

Here.

Commissioner Rhodes. Here. Chairman Wade.

Here. Commissioner Griffin, I believe you have the motion regarding the minutes from the June 1st meeting?

Yes, sir. I move that the reading of the minutes from June 1st, 2026 be waived and that the minutes of said meeting, as prepared by staff, be approved as written.

Second. Second. Moved and seconded. Any additions, corrections, or deletions? Discussions for the minutes? Hearing none, Mr. Fowler-Summers, would you call the roll, please?

Commissioner Griffin? Aye. Commissioner Kaler?

Aye.

Commissioner Rhodes? Aye. Commissioner Benberry? Aye. Chairman Wade? Aye.

All right, we have no continued petitions as far as new petitions. We have 2035 and 2085 Berger Road, and we'll start with the staff report.

Please. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. This is an initial zoning classification of the R4 residential zone for 435 and 485 for two properties known as the Merriman House and the Mountain Comprehensive Medical Facility for mental health. Right now, they are in the process of being annexed into the City of Paducah. They have had first reading and have come before you all to assign initial zoning. The total site consists of 30.78 acres. The R4 zone would allow both uses to continue as they are, as opposed to becoming non-conformities, and both the City of Paducah-McCracken County Comprehensive Plan and the Board of Commissioners' priorities speak to this. Specifically for the comp plan, it says continue to explore zoning strategies and provisions for overcoming nonconformities that can stand in the way of beneficial use and reuse of property, including infill development and redevelopment activity. And further, the Board of Commissioners' priority is a priority of growth pursuant to Municipal Order 3028. What that means is that the city should annex properties that further the city's interest and responsibility. Therefore, Mr. Chairman, staff is recommending approval and I will turn it over to you for the public hearing.

Thank you very much. This does require a public hearing and I would ask Commissioner Kaler to present a motion regarding that.

I move that this board open the public hearing for case ZON 2026-0101 pertaining to the initial zoning classification high-density residential zone R4 for property located at 435 and 485 Berger Road.

So moved. Is there a second?

Second.

All in favor of opening a public hearing, say so by the word aye.

Aye.

Opposed by nay. Hearing none, the motion passes. This is an open public hearing to discuss. Would ask anyone who wishes to present comments to approach the podium. Seeing no one Commissioner Kaler, would you? Introduce the motion to close the public here.

I move that this board close the public hearing for case Zeo in 2026 dash 0 1 0 1 pertaining to the initial zoning classification of high density residential zone are for for property located at 435 and 485 burger Road Second moved and seconded

All in favor of closing the public hearing, indicate by the word aye.

Aye.

Any opposed by like sign or nay? Hearing none, motion's passed. Commissioner Rhodes, I believe you have the recommendation motion. I do.

I move this commission recommend approval to the Board of Commissioners and adopt a resolution recommending approval thereof of the requested initial zoning of R4 high-density residential zone for property located at 435 and 485 Berger Road. I further move this commission adopt the following findings of fact in support of said recommendation. One, the City of Paducah-McCracken County comprehensive plan supports R1 zone in two goals in the land use section. Number two, a priority of the Board of Commissioners is growth pursuant to MO 3028. Three, the spirit and intent of the R4 zone would be fulfilled by providing a buffer between commercial use and single-family homes. Number four, the current use of the sites is non-profits, both of which are principally permitted in the R4 zone. Number five, no high-intensity commercial development could be developed on this lot in the future, which would help protect the overall character of the neighborhood.

Thank you. Is there a second? Second. Just a quick point of clarification. Pick up who you wanted the second from. Benberry? That works. I heard it both sides. Okay.

Commissioner Rhodes, for number one, I heard you say supports the R1 zone. Does your motion say R4? R4, not the R1. I'm sorry. You're good. I'm sure we're neat and tidy.

That's fine.

Thank you.

Any questions, comments, staff on this? All right, hearing none, Mr. Fowler-Summers, would you please call the roll, please?

Commissioner Rhodes? Aye. Commissioner Benberry? Aye. Commissioner Griffin? Aye. Commissioner Kaler?

Aye.

Chairman Wade?

Aye. I show no more business to be discussed. Our next meeting is scheduled for August the 3rd. So we are now adjourned at 537.