Two long-time industrial sites on Harlow Avenue were rezoned Tuesday from residential to industrial zoning.

The two sites at 930 and 940 Harlow Ave., were the locations of Cherokee Casket Company and American Mills, and are located off Searcy Avenue near the city cemetery. City Director of Planning & Development Taurus Freeman said the two parcels are legal non-conforming uses but at some point had been zoned High Density Residential.

“Was there any reason they were zoned to HDR,” asked City Commissioner Doug Hollberg. “They have been plants for ever.”

City Commissioner Dick Morrow said the tracts “were part of the infamous city rezoning when numerous parcels were rezoned.”

Freeman said they were being rezoned for “economic development opportunities.” He said it would make it easier for any potential future buyer than having to go through rezoning, but said there are none at this time as both tracts are currently occupied.

City Manager Kenny Smith said, “there are some future opportunities for that area,” and noted some of the parcels in the area have already been rezoned to PID, though some are still residential.