Algood City Council approved the rezoning of 6.53 acres on Mirandy Road from low density residential to light industrial.
A work yard for a local construction company will occupy the spot. Mirandy Road Homeowner George Lee said he was unsure if a the work yard was the right use for the land.
“I keep hearing that you don’t have any place to build houses, and yet here’s a large area” Lee said. “And it may not be suitable for houses, I don’t know. But generally, in a government, we’d do a study and we’d look at what the best and most profitable use for the people is, not for individuals. If the best use for the people is what you’re proposing, then I’m all for it, even if it hurts me.”
Lee said he is concerned that his small property could become an island after the rezoning. On a larger scale, Lee said homes near the work yard may see values decrease, which would negatively impact property tax revenue.
Lee said he is also concerned about more traffic from the development. He said Mack Construction owns two other pieces of property nearby, and additional trucks could present safety concerns on an already contested road.
“I don’t want to be the fly in the ointment here, but at the same time, I do want you to consider the effect it’s going to have on all the residences out there,” Lee said.
Lee also expressed concern for potential future developments, such as a meat processing plant. Mayor Lisa Chapman-Fowler said that kind of development could not come without a conditional use permit.
The Company’s Jon Roberts said he wants what is best for the people too, but he believes the land in question is better for light industrial use than residential because of it’s close proximity to Highway 111.
“If I’m buying a house, I don’t want to be on 111,” Roberts said. “Take me about a half mile back from 111 and we’re great. Just my opinion, the noise from 111 would be an issue for residential. It’s not going to hurt for my construction shop though.”
Roberts said he plans to follow all of the zoning requirements, including a buffer zone between the shop and the highway. Although there is no proposed plan yet, items like the buffer are a part of Robert’s thought process.
After Lee said he was unable to voice his concerns to the Board of Zoning Appeals prior to Tuesday’s public hearing, the council members debated sending the ordinance back for reconsideration. Ultimately, the council passed the ordinance by a 4-1 vote. Vice Mayor Luke Hill was the lone vote against rezoning.
In other business, the Algood City Council asked for nominations to replace Troy Hogan on the Board of Zoning Appeals. Pat Judd, Joanne Farley, and John Roberts all expressed their interest to the council. An official nomination was tabled for the next meeting.
The council approved a grant match program for safety equipment with Public Entity Partners. The city will purchase $3,000 of equipment, and Public Entity Partners will reimburse half of the expenses.
