Residents of Waverly voiced significant concerns during a recent planning and zoning board meeting regarding a proposed commercial rezoning and special use permit for a nearby property. The discussions highlighted fears over potential flooding and groundwater contamination, particularly as the area relies on private wells for drinking water.

One resident, who identified herself as an accounting clerk for a nonprofit, expressed gratitude for the board's decision to require a 20-foot buffer and a 10-foot solid privacy fence to protect her small backyard, which backs directly onto the property in question. However, she emphasized the need for strict adherence to regulations to prevent further flooding and to safeguard against chemical pollutants affecting her well, located just 50 feet from the site.

Another resident, Sherry Taylor, a lifelong Waverly citizen, raised alarms about the lack of environmental assessments, particularly concerning wetlands, before the rezoning decision. She urged the board to conduct thorough studies to evaluate the potential impact on local groundwater and the community's overall safety. Taylor also expressed concerns about the long-term implications of the property’s use, noting that the substantial structure could become a liability if the business were to close, potentially leading to increased vandalism and a decline in neighborhood safety.

The board has yet to make a decision on the rezoning, and residents are advocating for a delay in the vote until comprehensive environmental studies are completed. The meeting underscored the community's commitment to ensuring that local development does not compromise their health or safety as Waverly continues to grow.