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| Council approves special use permit to operate kilns |
Staff Photo by Ken Bradley:
A new ceramic business plans to open at 451 South Main Street, across from Franklin Memorial Hospital. |
Monday, March 18, 2013
By KEN BRADLEY - Staff Writer
A new ceramic business plans to open in Rocky Mount after town council unanimously approved a special use permit that is required for the business to operate kilns to melt ceramic clay.
During a public hearing last week, no one spoke in opposition to the permit.
Peggy Shilling told council she and her husband plan to open Ceramic Tradition as 451 South Main Street in the former Perma Clean facility across from Carilion Franklin Memorial Hospital.
The business will include the manufacture of ceramics, ceramic instruction, and painting and finishing, Shilling said.
The kilns used in making the ceramic pieces are electric powered with digital controls and automatic shutoff, she said. There are no toxins in any of the materials that will be used.
The business will be a combination of retail and manufacturing, Shilling said. It has over 10,000 molds to make everything from plates to bowls to figurines.
Assistant Town Manager Matt Hankins told council the business is unique, not just for Rocky Mount, but for the region.
"Very few businesses like this exist, and by its unique and interactive nature, it can attract more visitors and shoppers to our town and from throughout the region," Hankins said.
The business is also consistent with the future land use map in the current comprehensive plan, Hankins said.
The business name, Ceramic Tradition, is because ceramics have been a family tradition for many years, Shilling said.
The motion to approve the special use permit request was made by Jerry Greer and seconded by Ann Love. |
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