Willingham property upgraded

Improvements are being made to the 1620 Willingham property.

The area of Willingham just off Forest seems to have become a magnet for change. First the heavily wooded property behind the Laureate was targeted for a dense development of large homes on small lots. Plans for the proposed development are still under study to be sure appropriate right of ways, setbacks, easements and tree preservation requirements are met, but the development seems sure to come in some shape or form within the next year.

Just across the street is a small white house which was recently purchased by Lane Ligon for the purposes of opening a small gift and curio shop. According to Ligon, he plans to upgrade the existing structure and add additional parking if the property is approved for rezoning from R1 residential to C3 commercial.

Forest Acres City Council has held a Public Hearing to receive public input on the matter, but further action was deferred pending input from the zoning commission before council further considers Ligon's request. The properties on two sides are already zoned commercial, and the lot is alleged to be too small for construction of most commercial structures. As he waits to see if the zoning change is granted, Ligon has, true to his word, begun to upgrade the existing structure.

Lane Ligon speaks of his plans for the property on Willingham at a recent public hearing in Forest Acres.