HomeMy WebLinkAboutC.054.93011_1557Road. One rezoning case was approved across Midway Road for Heavy Manufacturing
Conditional Use District for a wood processingilumber operation in November of 1993.
STAFF COMMENTS: The applicant has chosen the Ml -CUD classification, which
allows for a range of light manufacturing uses and allows for many similar uses as
nearby commercial properties. Although the Iredell County Land Use Plan identifies
this area as suitable for future residential development; staff is recommending in
favor of this rezoning request and the land use map amendment since the parcel is
adjacent to an operating rail line, and lies in close proximity to NC 90 with an
available water supply. An existing commercial and industrial node is identified on
the Iredell County Land Use Plan map along NC 90 and Halyburton Road from the
Alexander County line to the west side of Midway Road. The expansion of the industrial
node along this corridor is a logical extension considering the local infrastructure in place
and nearby heavy manufacturing wood operation.
PLANNING BOARD ACTION: On May 2, 2007 the Planning Board voted 9-0 to
recommend approval of the land use plan amendment and rezoning request.
Warren said the proposed lumber distribution company desired to take advantage of a rail
spur that would be built. He said the company would not manufacture, rather it would take
advantage of a spur that would be built on the Alexander rail line. He said there would be
approximately 10 to 12 rail cars unloaded and several tractor trailers would move in -and -out the site
during the week -- Monday through Friday. Warren said that due to (1) the existing commercial
node nearby (2) the company needing infrastructure (rail) which was already at the site, (3) the area
was mixed-use (4) a rezoning occurred nearby in 1994 for a wood operation, and (5) other rezonings
had occurred that expanded the commercial node, the staff felt the distribution was a good use of the
property. He said that with the nearby residential area; however, a site plan would have to be
reviewed by the county staff.
Karole Clanton (opposition) distributed a petition against the request. The document read
as follows: "We, the undersigned, being the greater number of, surrounding property owners,
are in total opposition to the proposed rezoning, Case No 0705-1, which will amend the Iredell
County Land Use Plan and rezone parcel ID#3797-92-5790 from RA, Residential Agricultural to
MI -CUD, Light Manufacturing Conditional Use District. We feel this amendment, if adopted,
will adversely affect and greatly undermine our community now and in the future. "
Clanton also shared information stating the following:
• A reasonable boundary already existed (Clanton said the "reasonable boundary" was
Midway Road, and it was already the existing boundary between commercial and
residential development.)
• Spot zoning would occur if approved.
• The new rail spur would be 100 ft. from her house or bedroom window.
• There are concerns about the 30 ft. easement for ingress/egress to Hwy 90.
• A new driveway out of her property would be useless, especially if a switch were
placed there and a train blocked her property.
• At least 20 days of the month, according to information from Alexander Railroad
officials, a rail car would either be moving or sitting 100 ft. from her bedroom. (She
said this was "industrial invasion.")
• The county's "current zoning map was presumed to be sound in its present state and
there is no justification for capriciously altering it. All property owners are entitled to
assume that a zoning pattern, once established, will continue until there is substantial
proof that a change is required. The presence of a situation self-created by the applicant
for rezoning is not a valid reason upon which to base a decision to rezone." (Source:
Iredell County Land Use Plan)
Clanton requested the commissioners to consider the residents over the financial gain of a
single -property owner. She asked for the existing boundary to be preserved.