Commission approves two Powder House Pass storage developments despite neighbor concerns about traffic and lighting

Lawrence County commissioners approved two development plans in the Powder House Pass area for storage facilities after hearing public comment from nearby residents who warned the projects could increase traffic, generate excessive lighting and harm property values.

At the first public hearing, homeowner Craig Davis and neighbor Jessica Korns said they were surprised to learn the project would include roughly 172–173 storage units on a former gravel-pit site and asked for better notice, a visual buffer and controls on lighting. Davis said multiple adjacent lots would border the property and raised concerns about traffic flow on narrow, sometimes steep local roads. Korns noted the cul-de-sac access and possible light intrusion.

County planning staff said the property was previously zoned for commercial use when sold and the development plan process requires only one county public hearing; staff confirmed the notice procedure followed standard publication and on-site posting. Commissioners debated adding conditions to reduce neighbor impacts. The board approved the first development plan with a condition requiring downcast (shielded) lighting and appointed staff to track any additional buffering or mitigation through subsequent permitting.

A second development plan, for larger shop-style storage units with bathrooms and loft space to be built in phases, was discussed and approved after staff and the applicant described phased egress and road access solutions. Commissioners also clarified that if storage units are sold as individual condominium units they may count toward density limits in the approved PUD, and the motion was amended to address that possibility.

Both motions carried by voice vote; staff will monitor compliance with the lighting and access conditions and process phased approvals as the developer submits each phase.