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Residents urge council to oppose Franklin Limestone rezoning, citing forest loss, truck traffic and safety
Summary
Dozens of residents opposed proposed rezonings for parcels on Franklin Limestone Road and nearby sites (BL2025-872 and BL2025-873), citing lost tree canopy, endangered species habitat, increased truck traffic and narrow roads; councilmembers deferred the items for further review.
Multiple residents spoke on July 15 in opposition to ordinances BL2025-872 and BL2025-873, which would rezone land along Franklin Limestone Road for industrial use and related development. Commenters described the parcels’ forested character, the role trees play in noise and dust mitigation, and safety concerns related to narrow roads and anticipated truck volumes.
Macy Fluharty called the proposal “a bill [that] aims to destroy a forest in Antioch to build an industrial packaging center” and urged the council to “vote no.” Several speakers, including Claire Norris, CJ Tichenor, Majid Keswani and David Ware, said they feared the loss of wetlands and wildlife habitat and described heavy truck traffic on adjacent arterials and neighborhood streets. One speaker said the project could generate more than 800 vehicle trips per day and noted the community lacks sidewalks and shoulders on several stretches of Franklin Limestone Road.
Other speakers also raised concerns about notification and outreach. Claire Norris said signs for a prior hearing were removed during paving work and not replaced, potentially limiting resident awareness. Grace Ann Bindell said she and her homeowners association were not invited in a timely manner to a councilmember’s meeting about the project.
During the meeting the council recorded a one‑meeting deferral for the companion ordinances so staff, the sponsor and the community can pursue further review and meetings. Councilmembers said they would work with NDOT and the sponsor to examine traffic limits and other mitigation measures.
What happens next: The items were deferred one meeting; council offices and staff indicated they will pursue additional community outreach and follow up on the roadway safety and environmental concerns residents raised.
