Putnam County commissioners rezone 285 acres near I-64, Route 35 interchange

PUTNAM COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) - Putnam County commissioners voted Tuesday to rezone 285 acres of land at the interchange of Interstate 64 and Route 35, a move aimed at attracting commercial development to the area.

The land was reclassified to a highway interchange designation, which allows for larger commercial businesses. County Commission President Andy Skidmore said the rezoning does not affect property taxes for residents in the surrounding area.

“This only effects the parcel that was rezoned,” Skidmore said.

At least one developer has expressed interest in building a truck stop at the interchange. Skidmore said the location’s proximity to both highways makes it a candidate for that type of facility.

“That they would like to build a large truck stop, due to its proximity to I-64 and Route 35,” Skidmore said.

Skidmore said the volume of traffic created by the two highways has led to semi-trucks parking along the sides of nearby roads.

“We have those two highways coming together creates a lot of truck traffic on the side of the road,” Skidmore said. “Anything we can have in that area to alleviate that congestion.”

Beyond the truck stop interest, Skidmore said no concrete plans have been finalized for the remaining portion of the rezoned property.