Commission backs commercial rezoning north of Highway 70 for potential co-op laydown yard; Graham County Electric voices support

The Graham County Planning and Zoning Commission voted to forward a favorable recommendation for a request by DMP FP LLC (Eric Swanson) to rezone a 29-acre parcel north of Highway 70 from general land use to commercial/manufacturing for future development, and a representative of Graham County Electric Co-op told the commission the co-op is interested in acquiring some of the land.

Staff said the parcel lies north of Highway 70 east of Steve's Service Center and west of the Brown County Co-op yard. Staff also reported Valley Telecom had expressed interest in a portion of the site. Eric Swanson did not appear at the hearing and asked staff to field questions. Rusty Sherman, speaking for Graham County Electric Co-op and as a nearby property owner, said, "we are not opposed on either side and in favor of the proposed rezoning," and indicated the co-op is in talks with the applicant about acquiring part of the property.

Staff reported no written opposition and noted county supervisors have historically preferred commercial uses along the highway corridor. A motion to forward a favorable recommendation was made, seconded and carried. The item will proceed to the Board of Supervisors for final consideration.