County commissioners have paved the way for commercial development of the northeast and northwest corners of Wadsworth Boulevard and Coal Mine Avenue.

The Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners voted 2-1 during their Oct. 2 meeting to amend the Woodmar Corners’ current zoning to allow for commercial uses. The 10.2 acres of land is currently used as open space, but is up for sale by the Foothills Park and Recreation District.

District 3 Commissioner John Odom made the motion to change the zoning, which was seconded and voted for by District 1 Commissioner Faye Griffin. Commission Chair Donald Rosier, representing District 2, opposed the motion after he tried to amend it to specifically keep developers from using the land for a tavern or auto repair, both restrictions asked for by nearby residents who spoke at the hearing.

The new zoning gives the currently interested buyer, Drake Real Estate Services, the options of building for commercial uses, such as a convenience grocery store, gas station, auto repair, restaurant, tavern, fast-food restaurant, church or other “low-intensity specialty goods and services” operation.

David Taylor was one of two people to comment during the public hearing, and said he was worried about property values and quality of life if the lot connected to his backyard is developed.

“The wording of the new zoning keeps them from having a tavern, but it still allows a brewpub. Well, what’s a brewpub but a tavern that happens to brew their own beer?” Taylor asked.

To help address some visual and sound concerns, the commissioners did agree to include a six- to eight-foot fence requirement, to separate any new commercial development from the existing residential housing to the north, east and west of the Woodmar lots.

Another area resident, Doug Clark, said the approved zoning was in direct conflict with a land covenant requiring that the lots “will be left in a near-natural state.”

“They’re forcing us into legal action to defend the deed,” Clark said.

A representative for the developers told the commissioners they will begin the process of drafting a development plan and plat to present to the county at a future date.