To rezone, to remap, to rethink

MT. PLEASANT — Community members filled the Henry County Board of Supervisor’s meeting, Thursday, to express concerns about potential rezoning following a Planning and Zoning Committee meeting.

According to County Auditor Shelly Barber, planning and zoning proposed a rezoning of a property owned by Katherine Brune.

The proposal suggested rezoning from industrial to residential.

According to Planning and Zoning Director Joseph Buffington, he approached Brune about the rezoning in hopes of offsetting a potential future rezoning of another nearby parcel of land currently zoned as agricultural.

“[The Brune’s] requested that we remove that,” Buffington explained. “The Planning and Zoning Commission voted to remove that and did not act on it.”

According to Supervisor Greg Moeller the board chose to table the discussion for rezoning as the Planning and Zoning committee will first need to reexamine the county’s comprehensive plan.

If planning and zoning doesn’t first adjust the comprehensive plan the county would open themselves up for legal issues pertaining to spot zoning.

According to Buffington, prior to meeting with the Board of Supervisors, the planning and zoning committee voted to table the discussion, also.

Chad Ebeling addressed the Board of Supervisors with hopes to start a concrete business in the area on a piece of land which will need rezoned.

“Businesses are leaving and we have I've graduated two kids from high school,” he said. “I have young kids that want to come help run this facility. And I heard all the neighbors concerns. I understand them.”

“And we will address them,” Ebeling said. “We're going to be a good neighbor. I mean, there's an ideal plant set in the middle of town with many houses around it. And we've got a plant down where my son works right now that's going to be identical to this.”

Some concerns neighbors presented about allowing a concrete building near their homes due to dust control, noise, traffic, and the eyesore of the facility.

Ebeling states that his proposed business would help with dust control, and that trucks would only drive approximately 25 miles per hour.

Additionally, Ebeling stated that the tree line on the south of the property would help with visuals and sound.

One neighbor, however, pointed out that during the winter the leaves would fall and they would see the concrete facility.

“From an economic development standpoint, the only available industrial land is in Wayland,” Chamber of Commerce Executive Vice President Rachel Lindeen said.

“So, we do need to grow our tax base,” Lindeen commented. “We do need to hear we also have our due diligence to the residents. But from an economic development standpoint, this could be an opportunity. And whatever you decide here … you're setting the precedents for lots of conversations to come.”

After over an hour worth of conversation, the Board of Supervisors decided to table the conversation.

“They decided to wait until the planning and zoning had approved their meeting minutes,” Barber said.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com