The Planning Board will recommend to the Wilson City Council the rezoning of two small pieces of land that will help Spring Arbor of Wilson with its expansion plans.

The rezoning includes 0.09 acres from a professional office district to an office conditional-use district and 0.01 acres from office conditional-use to a professional office district. The properties are connected to land that was rezoned in November to allow the Spring Arbor expansion.

Spring Arbor plans to move ahead with its plans to add 12,000 square feet to its existing 22,000 square-foot building on Ward Boulevard. The addition will add 15 one-bedroom apartments and allow an expansion of the dining room and kitchen. The assisted living facility for seniors will also be able to add 12 more residents to the 60 already living there.

Construction is expected to start in 60-90 days and be complete within a year.

The Planning Board also decided to recommend to City Council a preliminary subdivision request for 19 acres at 401 Pike St., at the southwest end of the 1200 block of Churchill Avenue. The property is located behind Big Lots and Piggly Wiggly, which front Ward Boulevard.

The subdivision allows the addition of a road through the property, which would connect to Churchill on one end and Pike Street at the other. The road will also allow the developer, Pendergraph Development, to start on the first phase of its project and build a two-story, 36-apartment style building for senior citizens.

"I can tell you that they're planning to proceed as fast as they can," said Janet Batten-Holland, assistant director of Planning and Development Services.

Planning Board decisions will be reviewed by the City Council on May 15 for final approval. City Council meets at 6 p.m. in City Hall.

rochelle@wilsontimes.com | 265-7818