Image Credit: Concerned Citizens of District 1 / Facebook & Google Earth
The Tennessee Conservative Staff –
The Hamilton County Commission rejected a rezoning request for a planned portable cement plant operation.
Darrell Jones, who owns land at 2525 Igou Ferry Road, applied for permission to have a portion of his land rezoned so he can use the site for a “portable cement plant and topsoil screening operation.”
The proposal for the site, opposite the Sequoyah Nuclear Plant, was recommended for denial by the Planning Agency staff but received approval from the Planning Commission. However, Commissioner Mike Chauncey was the sole supporter of the plan during Wednesday’s meeting.
According to Commissioner Gene-o Shipley, initial opposition was minimal because few neighbors were aware of Jones’s request. However, a significant number of complaints came in once the request was made known to the public.
Shipley highlighted concerns from many residents regarding increased traffic, particularly trucks entering and exiting the site, as well as health issues related to chemicals and dust. The site is located next to an RV park.
Jones argued that his operation would produce much less concrete than the nearby nuclear plant. He noted the growing number of homes in the area, emphasizing the need for a nearby cement supply.
Jones also pointed out that the nearest neighbor was 650 feet away and asserted that the location was ideal for his operation.
Residents argued, however, that Jones was not even local to Soddy Daisy and could build in his own community.
