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Glasgow Town Council this month voted to amend the town’s zoning laws to allow a tobacco and vape shop.
The owner of the new business, Mohammed Abu-Sukhen, is planning on opening Glasgow Tobacco and Vape at 920 Rockbridge Road on property owned by Ted Slayton.
Council and the Planning Commission held a joint public hearing to amend the Chapter 18 Zoning, Article IV Commercial District (C-1), Section 18-31, to allow a “Recreational Substances Store” as a conditional use in the Commercial District (C-1) zoning district and also to add a definition of a “Recreation Substance Store” to the town’s zoning laws.
There were public comments concerning the type of business requesting to locate here. Councilman Tom Camden noted that the business, and property owner, had contacted the town for permission to locate here. The town is looking for new businesses and can’t show favoritism toward, or against, any legal business, which this one is. The town can’t disapprove of any legal business because of personal preference, he said.
Certain conditions will apply to the new business, including that the hours of operations will be between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.; that there are to be at least six parking spaces for customers; no on-site consumption of any product sold in-store; and the business signage could include one free standing sign, a window sign, and a wall sign, but nothing too flashy.
After some discussion the Council approved recommendations from the Planning Commission concerning the zoning amendments.
-In other business, the town manager’s report noted the site development for the Dollar General Market continues on the grading of the parcel, temporary erosion and sediment control, and permanent storm water management measures.
The town continues to upgrade the water and sewer system. The waterline project grant of $4.5 million through the Virginia Department of Health with American Rescue Plan funds is being used for this, with additional funds being sought by the town’s contracted engineering firm.
Town staff continues to seek low-cost options for moving the batteau to Glasgow from Lexington.
Several violation notices were issued for tall grass and trash, in an effort to get citizens to upgrade the curb appeal of their property.
Farmers’ market manager Carolyn Bradley noted they have had a successful month, averaging about six vendors each Friday and Saturday. They will remain open for a few more weeks.
In the public comment period, Jesse Nelson told Council that he is cleaning up brush, dead trees, etc., on Shawnee Street and asked if the town picks this up. He was advised the town no longer does this, but he could transport the debris to the brush pile at the end of 10th Street, the end of the old carnival grounds.
