Despite lingering concerns about its appearance, the Aberdeen Board of Commissioners approved a new shopping center Monday.

The shopping center, which Charlotte-based Primax Properties will build near Starbucks and the Aberdeen Commons shopping center.

The board voted unanimously to approve the shopping center at its regular meeting. Commissioner Robbie Farrell, who had vocalized his opposition to the project, said after them meeting that the board had no options because the proposal conformed to area zoning.

The developer promised "scout's honor" that the shopping center would look like its neighbor.

The board voiced concerns over the appearance of the development during its work session earlier this month. Members had hoped that the developer would alter the plans.

Planning Director Giles Hopkins told the board that the developer was sticking with the old plans.

The board said that the development was nothing but a strip mall and looked like bays in a garage. The flat front, in particular, bothered the commissioners.

In other news, the board held a public hearing on the possibility of liberalizing its billboard ordinance.

Years ago, Aberdeen voted to adopt an ordinance that would keep any new billboards from being erected in-town and would make the existing billboards non conforming uses. The old billboards can remain up unless they are more than 50 percent dilapidated.

A digital billboard near the Harris Teeter was the subject of discussion for changing the ordinance.

Check Wednesday's Pilot and ThePilot.com for the full story.