Concrete firm ready to starm construction
By Barbara Arntsen
Published in News on December 16, 2004 1:58 PM
Five years after receiving a controversial rezoning decision, a concrete company is proceeding with plans to build a plant on Central Heights Road.
The city will hold a hearing at 7 p.m. Monday in City Hall to give citizens a chance to comment on the proposed site plan.
In 2000, the city agreed to rezone the area from residential to industry, despite opposition from several property owners, with the condition that the site plan be approved by the City Council.
S&W Ready Mix, with headquarters in Clinton, told the council in 2000 that the $1.2 million plant would employ 10 to 12 people, paying a minimum of $10 an hour.
The 5.4-acre site is on the south side of Central Heights Road between the street and the railroad. Proponents of the zoning said the plant uses the most modern technology to reduce air, noise and water pollution. Those opposed said their main concern was wear and tear on local roads and the additional traffic in an already congested area.
Concrete walls deaden the sound and provide security. Loading is done inside to minimize dust. Soil berms and landscaping will be added.
Jimmy Rowe, assistant planning director for the city, says the planning department is working with the company to make sure it meets requirements, but adds that "final approval is up to the council."
Besides site plan approval, the company must also meet the stringent state stormwater regulations. Water used to mix the concrete is recycled and the site would have retention ponds for stormwater.
City Engineer Terry Gallimore said his department was still waiting on some technical information from the company regarding the stormwater plans.
Gallimore said that the company's stormwater runoff plans were different from others submitted to the city, so he asked for more information.
The company is expected to submit documentation before Monday to back up the use of these techniques, along with some calculations.