Highway 245 rezoning bid delayed ‘til July 7 meeting

CLERMONT - A rezoning request along Highway 245 will not be decided until July 7.

Bullitt Fiscal Court members opted to table a vote on Tuesday and will hold another public hearing on Tuesday, July 7.

The applicant, Leonard and Christopher Mattingly, are seeking rezoning of 3.7 acres from Conservation and R-1 Residential to B-1 Highway Business.

The father and son want to expand a vehicle storage lot on the property; however, several entities concerned about the future of the Highway 245 corridor have opposed the request.

At a public hearing held June 2, attorney Joseph Wantland said his client agreed with restrictions to screen the property and that it would not be visible from Highway 245. Plus, he said the vehicles seldom stay on the property for more than a few days and no repair work is done by the wholesale operation.

During the same meeting, several opponents, including Jim Beam Distillery and Bernheim Forest, talked about the need to protect the tourist corridor. Bullitt County’s interchange at Interstate 65 is the western beginning of the Bourbon Trail.

Also, Jim Beam is in the process of building a $15 million visitor center and a major sewer project will bring service to that area.

During the most recent fiscal court meeting, county attorney Walter Sholar said that it would improper for magistrates to look at or consider material submitted the prior day by attorney Keith Brown, representing Jim Beam Brands.

The information, which included recommended restrictions if the court wanted to approve the rezoning, was submitted after the public hearing was held.

Sholar said that if the court wanted to consider the information, Wantland must grant a waiver. The other option would be to have another public hearing before its 90-day period is over.

Attorney Scott Wantland said he had not had an opportunity to look at Brown’s material and had not talked to his client.

Magistrate David Walker said he wanted to have all the information possible in order to make his decision. He also felt there was more time needed to obtain information he was seeking.

With everyone in agreement, the court decided to table any action until another public hearing is held at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 7.