Published: October 17, 2007 08:52 am         

County planners deny two zoning changes

As a packed house of more than 50 filled the Madison Fiscal Court room and spilled out into the corridor Tuesday night, the Madison Planning and Zoning Commission denied two zone change requests. Another was withdrawn

Most in attendance were residents of the Barnes Mill Road area near where God’s Outreach: Madison County Food Bank sought the change the zoning of 2.12 acres at 1721 Barnes Mill Road from agriculture to neighborhood commercial.

The charity wanted to convert a 6,000-square-foot metal building on the property into a warehouse and distribution center, said attorney Greg Puckett.

The organization would improve the structure from its current condition and use as a storage shed for construction equipment, he said.

The charity provides food to approximately 900 families monthly. The building would be open from 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Wednesday for clients to pick up food items. A 16-foot truck would deliver to the warehouse no more than two or three times a day, Puckett said.

“What do we say to other farmers who want to rezone a barn for commercial use?” Commissioner Paula Maionchi asked. “Why would people with food and money issues be driving three miles from the interstate?”

Puckett said clients already drive from as far as Berea and Waco to pick up food from the food bank’s current 1,200-square-foot location on Geri Lane in Richmond.

“You have a wonderful cause,” said Commissioner Wanda Pennington, “but it would be better if you could find something closer to town. I know property is less expensive out there, but (a distribution center) would be more appropriate in town.”

Six citizens spoke in opposition to the request, and County Planning Administrator Duane Curry presented the commissioners with 18 e-mail messages he had received opposing the change.

“How many people here are opposed to this change?’ asked Wil-O-Mac subdivision resident Jack Bisping. Almost every hand in the crowd went up.

Maionchi moved that the request be denied because it would be inconsistent with the county’s comprehensive plan. The location is on the fringe rather than in the core of the urban corridor, is not located at an intersection and lies on a scenic corridor in the midst of a residential area.

She was joined by David Bohannan, Pennington, Gary Hart and William Witt. Commissioner Chandler Combs and Robert Farmer were absent.

The attending commissioners also voted in unison to deny a request from Murray Welch to change the zoning of 82 acres he owns on Boonesboro Road from agriculture to general business.

The area has become heavily residential in recent years, but no grocery or convenience stores have been built in the area, Welch said. “I believe residents of the area would be receptive to a commercial zone here.”

Because of steep ravines on the property, about 3.5 miles from Exit 95 of Interstate 75, only a few “fingers of land” would be suitable for commercial or residential development, he said. None of it is suitable for the agricultural use, for which it is zoned.

Maionchi raised objections to the request similar to those she raised in the Barnes Mill Road case. The property was on the fringe, rather than in the core of the urban corridor and not on an intersection. It lies between two historic sites, Fort Boonesborough and White Hall.

Bohannan said the comprehensive plan calls for commercial development around interstate exits, not three or more miles away.

Mary Johnson sought to zone to rezone a building lot at 118 Greens Crossing Road from neighborhood commercial to residential so she could build a home for her handicapped daughter. She withdrew the request after commissioners recommended she first file a plat to allow access to the property consistent with county road regulations.

Final plats were approved for Serenity Acres on Old US 25 and for property owned by Gary and Clara Bennett on Dunbar Lane. A final plat for Phase II of The Pinnacle at Boones Traces was withdrawn.

The development plan for New Hope Baptist Church, 3250 Old Irvine Road, was accepted contingent upon approval by the Madison County Health Department.

Bill Robinson can be reached at brobinson@richmondregister.com or at 623-1669, Ext. 267.

     

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