Commission approves rezoning of 89.53-acre Smith tract to I-2 industrial

The Madison County Planning Commission moved to approve rezoning of an 89.53-acre tract owned by Michael R. Smith Sr. from agricultural zoning to I‑2 heavy industrial.

Attorney Owen Lawler, representing Michael R. Smith Sr., asked the commission to rezone the property between Old Jackson Road and Interstate 55, just south of the Canton city line. Lawler said the land has been in the Smith family since about 1950 and that changes in the neighborhood since the 2019 zoning ordinance—including a power line and recent nearby businesses—made rezoning appropriate. He told the commission there was no specific use planned and that the applicant was working with the Madison County Economic Development Authority on potential industry recruitment.

A nearby resident, Diane McMurtry, asked what rezoning would mean for homeowners across the street; county counsel responded that the application affects only the described parcel and that any future use must conform to I‑2 zoning and any subsequent site plans would return for review. The counsel noted the rezoning itself does not change adjacent homeowners’ current zoning or immediate right to remain.

After public questions and a short discussion, a motion to approve the rezoning was moved and seconded and the commission announced the motion carried with an oral “Aye.” The transcript does not record specific zoning conditions, a final board-of-supervisors decision (if required), or vote tallies by name.