Just south of that, Gooch said, about four acres should be changed to multi-family residential, possibly for town homes.
The next tract is a parcel roughly 300-feet deep across from the Dollar General store on U.S. 150. Gooch said he and Coyle don't imagine anyone wanting to build homes there, with driveways leading directly onto a busy highway.
They carefully considered how best to develop the area, Gooch said, including maintaining the right to approve all building components like material, textures, colors and style.
Another area affected
"They will have to request Pete's approval, or the neighborhood association, before building," he said. He didn't envision a fast food place with a neon sign glowing at night, and restrictive convenants were being drawn up.
Another area that would be affected, Old Mackville Road, is said to be the original marching path of Confederate troops. Gooch said Coyle wants to create a walking path for tour purposes, to be approximately two miles long, with access to the battlefield.
"We want to keep this a nice Kentucky town and not a metropolis," Gooch concluded.
P&Z Director Paula Bary, reading from the recently passed Comprehensive Plan, reminded them of the historic area's description. She read that very little had changed over the past century in Perryville, no highway development or strip malls.
"What are some specifics on how you would discourage strip development, or how you would plan for (U.S.) 150 access?" Bary asked. Gooch said the area for commercial development would be in two large square lots, something he doesn't see as turning into a strip mall.
"And just so you know what we're looking at, there's an area in Asheville, North Carolina, a McDonald's that's in the Biltmore Village that's like what we're talking about," Gooch said. The fast food restaurant is housed in a style that architecturally fits the area, he said.
"I can assure you we're going to have total control over the area," Gooch said. "Two free-standing businesses is what we're hoping for, and again - we'd retain the right to approve all plans."
Bary said highway commercial designation allows for any type of business, including car lots and fast food. But, Bary said, if it's to benefit tourism, then gift shops, nice restaurants and additional lodging should be considered.
Nothing ruled out yet
Gooch said they hadn't ruled anything out yet.
"My first knee-jerk reaction is that it's kind of weak," said Commissioner Tommy Norvell. "I think you're saying 'approve the zone change and Pete's going to look after the property.' But he could move to Florida to stay, and sell it off ... I'm wondering how we, as a committee, can feel comfortable with this."
Gooch said he did not have anything in writing yet about specifics, and referred again to the McDonald's in Asheville he considers beautiful. "... We don't want a wafting plan where the man changes, the land changes," said Commissioner Hugh Mahon.
Bary recommended the owner come up with restrictions and covenants for the commission to review. The commission could extend the hearing for Coyle to prepare them.
Chairman Gary Chidester asked Coyle, "Is that a possibility for you?" Coyle said, "Not really," and that his next few months were already planned out. "I heard something earlier about a car lot? That will not happen."
Coyle said a board in the development also would have to approve any request for building. New businesses would not only need his approval, but the board's as well, he said - a limited liability corporation.
"You've mentioned another body, or board, we're not familiar with. Can you enter that into the record?" Norvell asked.
Coyle said the LLC was listed as Maple Crest Estates, a board made up of him and his wife, Sherry. Coyle then said representatives from the battlefield were present at the meeting who he had been working with closely.
Chidester told Coyle that his intentions were not under scrutiny, and the public was aware of how much he has done for preservation purposes.
"But if Pete and Sherry don't own (the land) down the road, what then?" Chidester asked.
