Ashe Mountain Times

Citing the potential concerns of downtown residents, the Jefferson Aldermen denied a request to have a piece of property rezoned to make way for a new dance studio. 

Jon Calloway came before the board Monday evening to request a conditional use permit that would have enabled the construction of a new dance studio in a residential area. 

Calloway said April Roten of April’s School of Dance had previously approached him about the potential business opportunity. 

Calloway said the dance studio would have brought new business to downtown establishments and provided a tax base of $1,500 to $1,800. 

The dance studio would have employed four teachers and required between eight and 10 parking spaces, said Calloway. The studio would have faced Long Street.  

Monday was not the first time Calloway had appeared before the board for a request concerning zoning. 

In November 2008, Calloway requested and was granted a conditional use permit for the construction of a three-story apartment building on Academy and Long streets.

Construction on that facility began in March 2009, said Calloway.

In April 2011, Calloway again requested a similar permit after he was contacted by the Ashe Baptist Association about their desire to build new offices in Jefferson. The ABA eventually found a new home in the Beaver Creek community.

Although the aldermen said they were in favor of bringing new business to the town, they had serious concerns of allowing businesses into residential areas. 

“I don’t know if we want to open up that can of worms,” said Alderman Mark Johnston. “Tax revenue is revenue, but people build in residential because they don’t want businesses in it.”

There is a residence and a group home that sits near the site of proposed studio. 

“If we rezone, that opens us up to other businesses coming in, not just the school of dance,” said Alderman Charles Caudill.

In a similar request, aldermen did approve a conditional use permit for Emaline Shatley for to a piece of property known as Ashe Manor on Badger Street. 

Shatley had purchased the property in July 2012.