Winston-Salem, Forsyth County planning board recommend approval of zoning change for industrial park in Rural Hall

The planning board of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County recently recommended approval of a zoning request of more than 100 acres despite opposition from neighbors.

The City-County Planning Board voted unanimously in favor of the request by Jerry Stoltz and ITAC 484, LLC to rezone around 126 acres of land in the town of Rural Hall. The proposal would change the parcels on Shore Road from residential, single-family to limited industrial, special use. That means it could be used for things like a hospital or health center, manufacturing or offices.

Several county residents spoke against the proposal including Steve Lineback. He said at the Thursday meeting that infrastructure improvements on the land could be a cost burden for taxpayers and the county, and a more detailed site plan is needed.

"A continuance on this hearing would allow better community input and oversight of the impact of this use of the property for all involved," Lineback said.

But board member Walter Farabee said the land has been recommended for industrial use for years.

"The positive there is that it opens up an opportunity for more employers, (and) hopefully good paying jobs that then supports the economy," he said.

The Forsyth County board of Commissioners is now expected to review the proposal at its meeting in March.