Board approves rezoning for Hedrick heavy-equipment yard after neighbors object to road impacts

The Davidson County Board of Commissioners voted 5–2 to approve a conditional rezoning allowing a heavy‑equipment and recycling operation on 25.41 acres owned by Lanny Hedrick, after neighbors raised concerns about truck traffic, mud on local roads and the lack of prior notice.

Lanny (Lanny) Hedrick told the board he has operated equipment, stored pipe and run a permitted recycling operation on the parcel for years and wants to construct a building and formalize the use. He said he holds a state recycling permit and would submit erosion‑control plans and follow permitting requirements before constructing a new building.

Neighbors described frequent heavy trucks, dusty and muddy roads and immediate impacts to turnarounds at the end of East Park Avenue and Robert Everhart Road. Malcolm Tester, a nearby property owner, said trucks had created large ruts and caused persistent dust: “The dust, the mud pack on the road is never addressed.” Jenny Tester said trucks had left mud and she feared for safety pulling out of her driveway.

Planning staff told the board the property is isolated and close to the U.S. 2970 corridor identified as an economic development corridor in the county plan. Staff recommended approval with conditions proposed by the applicant and recommended the added condition that the applicant obtain an NCDOT driveway permit; staff said that permit could require paving the first 50 feet of the driveway to reduce mud on the public road.

During discussion Hedrick agreed to secure an NCDOT driveway permit. Planning staff and the applicant also said environmental health review and a necessary septic/permits process will be required before buildings are occupied.

Several neighbors said they had not received mailed notice because they are not adjoining property owners per the county’s notification rules; the board asked staff to look at signage, road condition and coordination with NCDOT. The board voted to approve the rezoning with the conditions on the applicant’s plan and the added NCDOT driveway condition.

Action: Rezoning to Conditional Zoning Limited Industrial (CZLI) on 25.41 acres for heavy equipment, outdoor storage and recycling with hours and screening conditions; applicant must obtain NCDOT driveway permit and comply with environmental health and erosion controls.

Outcome: Approved 5–2, with conditions.