Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Subdivision topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission forwards 2-lot plat near Highway 75 to county commissioners amid resident concerns about future industrial uses
Summary
The planning commission recommended authorization of a final plat creating a 10-acre parcel for sale; residents voiced opposition over possible future industrial uses such as concrete or batch plants along Highway 75.
The Clay County Planning Commission recommended authorization of a final plat for a two-lot subdivision in Kurtz Township that would create a 10-acre parcel intended for agricultural use and potential sale. The commission forwarded the plat to the county board for final approval.
Planning staff described the proposed plat (parcel ID 19.017.4200) as a preliminary, one-block, two-lot subdivision on a 66-acre parcel just east of Highway 75. The property includes a small area of floodplain fringe; lot sizes in the plat range from about 10 acres to 53.7 acres. Staff noted the township approved the plat at a recent meeting but expressed concerns at the township level about the potential siting of concrete plants or other industrial uses on the corridor.
Several neighbors spoke during the county public hearing. Concerns raised included increased traffic on Highway 75 and local gravel roads, dust, noise, water-well impacts and the potential for a future concrete or batch plant on or near the new lot. One nearby property owner emphasized protecting rural character; another called for the county to prevent industrial encroachment that could limit the growth of nearby Morehead.
Applicant representative John Lowry of Lowry Engineering said the applicant, Steve O'Patrell (landowner), intends only to create a 10-acre parcel that can be marketed for agricultural use; any future industrial use would require separate permits. Planning staff reminded the commission that certain industrial uses (for example, a concrete batch plant) are permitted in the Agricultural General zoning district through the interim use permit process and would require a separate public hearing.
Commissioner Steichen moved to recommend authorization of the final plat and to waive the planning commission’s right to review the final plat prior to the county board; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote. Staff told the public the earliest the county board could hear the plat would likely be Nov. 18, subject to final plat preparation and public-notice timing.
