HIGH POINT – Proposed boundaries that could determine the future of furniture market showrooms will go before the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission at 6 p.m. on Tuesday.

The commission will consider a Market Overlay District, proposed by the city’s planning and development department, in the City Council chambers at 211 S. Hamilton St. The proposal is based on a City Project plan that recommends limiting the development of new showrooms to one area within the city, thereby allowing a more concentrated area for the High Point Market.

The proposed boundary encompasses areas that include the largest concentration of existing showrooms. Those that are outside of the district will be grandfathered in, but no new showrooms could be built outside of the boundaries.

Cathy Hinson, building manager for Union Square, spoke out against current proposed boundaries at a Planning and Development Committee meeting on Sept. 22 because the showroom was not included. She said excluding it from the initial boundaries of the district could devalue the showroom’s property.

City leaders said the point of the Market Overlay District was to allow other businesses to thrive downtown rather than only showrooms, which drive up surrounding property values.

Initial action to move forward with the plan was taken by the High Point City Council at its meeting on Sept. 21. The commission will examine the plan, and, if recommended, it will be sent back to the council for a final decision.

phaynes@hpe.com | 888-3617