Zoning changes on county agenda
By Barbara Arntsen
Published in News on June 19, 2005 2:01 AM
Wayne County Commis-sioners will discuss Tuesday a request to change the zoning within the protected area around Seymour Johnson Air Force base.
The commissioners passed an ordinance in March restricting population density and establishing a noise overlay zone around the base.
Officials said the changes were needed to protect people from loud jet noise and the potential for accidents. But they were also intended to keep new homes and development from crowding the base and interfering with training.
Commissioners were prompted to act by a report commissioned by local officials and business leaders, delivered in 2003. The report said that both the city and county were allowing too much development close to the base.
Jonathan Shane Smith is requesting to rezone a 1.64 acre tract along the north side of Genoa Road, across from the Crescent Hill Mobile Home Park.
It's part of a 300-acre tract owned by his grandfather, Gray Smith.
The request would change the zone from light industry to an airport zone. The airport zone allows some residential development.
The property is also in a high-noise area.
Members of the Wayne County Planning Board discussed the request at Tuesday's board meeting, saying they understood they should avoid residential zoning in this area.
But, the board said they also understood the importance of family.
Smith's grandfather has owned the land since 1938, and his father lives across the road from the area proposed for rezoning.
Since Smith is aware of the noise and risk associated with building in the area, the planning board recommended that the zoning request be granted.
On Tuesday, the commissioners will decide whether they need more information on the request, or if it should proceed to a public hearing.
Besides the public hearing on the county's budget at 9:30 a.m., the board will also consider the following:
*Passing a resolution requesting the state transportation department to name the new U.S. Highway 117 bridge over the existing U.S. Highway 70 in memory of Captain Jerry K. Best.
*Adopting an updated program and administrative guidelines policy reflecting changes in the laws affecting the community and development block grant funds.
*Setting a public hearing regarding a request by Ricky Young to rezone 40.2 acres from residential to heavy industry. The property is located at 2550 U.S. 117 South Alternate and is next to a salvage yard already zoned heavy industry. The Planning Board recommended that the zoning request be approved.
The meeting begins at 9 a.m. Tuesday, and is held on the fourth floor of the county courthouse in the commissioners meeting room.