Photo by Jason Benavides

Oct. 17. By Dave Vieser. The Cornelius Town Board approved a rezoning request from applicant Kevin Mahl to amend previously approved conditional zoning on approximately 6.15 acres located at 11140 Bailey Road, near the intersection with Hwy. 115.

The parcel just southwest of the Circle K convenience store is vacant.

The amended rezoning approved last night would enable Champion to construct a temporary three-acre parking lot that would remain in place for approximately three years.

The facility will be used for temporary truck access and the zoning change will permit the movement of trucks to be limited to and from Treynorth Drive, keeping their truck traffic off of congested Bailey Road.

The approval will afford Mahl the opportunity to apply for up to two, one-year extensions of the amended rezoning.

In other action last night

The board also approved a contract with Corvid Cyber Defense to increase the town’s ability to respond and mitigate cyber threats. The contract with the Mooresville company allows the town to utilize trained cyber security professionals, and implement best practice policies as new threats continue to develop, consolidate multiple infrastructure systems into one area of operation, and provide 24/7/365 monitoring to the environment which includes a primary 911 public safety answering point.

Earlier this year, Cornelius was the victim of a cyber attack, emphasizing the need for this service. According to the contract, the cost could amount to a maximum of $84,000 annually, and federal funds will be used where possible.