HOWLAND — Township trustees this week have approved the rezoning of 105 parcels off land off Niles Cortland Road SE south of Route 82 and the Diverging Diamond to a new zoning district called highway commercial.

Planning Director Kim Mascarella said the land in the area fronts on Niles Cortland Road and will be changed from the commercial and corridor review district zoning to highway commercial.

She said a public hearing on the change took place Tuesday on and trustees approved the change during a meeting Wednesday.

The township zoning commission had a hearing on Nov. 20 and recommended the approval of the rezoning of the parcels.

“The zone change will allow all the same uses that are allowed currently plus car repair, car sales and other auto-centered uses. This will allow for bigger buildings and reflect how this corridor is already developing. Thus one change makes it easier for the properties to be developed,” Mascarella said.

Highway commercial zoning areas include uses and facilities which primarily serve the traveling public, such as automobile oriented and automotive facilities, tourist facilities, eating establishments, indoor recreation establishments, motels, hotels or drive-in facilities.

She said the change reduces the side and rear setback of buildings on the properties.

Mascarella said the parcels on the west side of Niles Cortland Road are larger than those on the east side. There are also more parcels on the west side.

She said the residential areas nearby and adjacent to the parcels will be protected by a buffer.

Mascarella said property behind the Lowe’s store will remain in the corridor review district as officials look to what to use the property for in the near future.

She said the highway commercial district will also be in compliance with the township’s comprehensive community plan.

Officials said unless there is an objection filed to the zone change the zoning change will go into effect in 30 days.

In other business, Trustees Chairman Jim LaPolla said trustees have heard comments from residents concerned about short-term rental properties and AirBNBs in the township.

LaPolla said by state law the township can’t prohibit such rental properties, but they can limit the number of such entities.

“The zoning will allow us to keep them at a limited number,” he said.

Mascarella said the zoning department is also going to regulate the number of short-term rental properties in the township.

Residents at the meeting this week also expressed concerns about residents not keeping up their properties with garbage and junk vehicles.

LaPolla said residents said the Dawson Drive area was one major concern and parts of Niles Cortland Road.

Officials said they will have the township zoning department keep track of any violations.