Tri-cities.com has been covering the on-going discussions to rezone part of historic Solar Hill to prevent commercial development. The affected area includes Solar Street – from Cumberland to Sycamore streets and from King’s Alley to Oak Street. The area contains 13 private homes, some vacant land and an assisted living center. 

"A section of the Solar Hill historic district apparently will be rezoned to block commercial development, over the objections of some property owners.

At its meeting Tuesday, the City Council unanimously accepted a Planning Commission recommendation to rezone nearly 5 acres of the mixed-use area from B-3 general business to R-2 residential. The vote followed a 35-minute public hearing, in which residents spoke out on both sides of the issue.

To become official, the council must formally approve a rezoning ordinance on two subsequent readings. About half of the district, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is zoned for residential. The balance is zoned for commercial use."

Read full story.

Also, check out a Letter to the Editor from a resident.