Planning commission recommends rezoning for Bloomfield Companies property on South Monteroth Lane

The Graham County Planning & Zoning Commission voted to send a favorable recommendation to the Board of Supervisors on a rezoning request filed by Bloomfield Companies for APN 10243034, 1736 South Monteroth Lane.

Staff told commissioners the parcel previously operated under a temporary use permit for a Frito Lay facility; the temporary permit lapsed when the property changed hands, and the applicant asked to rezone the parcel from its current general use to CG (Commercial General) to reflect its present storage use for Bloomfield’s Morenci operations. County staff member "Mark" said the rezoning request is intended to recognize the property’s existing commercial storage activity.

Neighbor Lashona Coleman, who said she lives at 1697 South Monteith Lane, told commissioners she was "not necessarily in opposition" but raised several concerns: potential effects on her homestead, long-standing speeding problems on the street, and diesel truck traffic. Coleman said she had considered petitioning neighbors and requested a traffic study; she also asked whether the prior Frito Lay use could have been "grandfathered." Coleman said, "I am not necessarily in opposition. I have some concerns and questions, though."

Dallas Davis, identifying himself as the owner of Bloomfield Companies, said the company intends primarily to use the building for storage and occasional training and that the proposed use would generate "considerably less traffic than you ever saw from Frito Lay." He told commissioners the company would likely use part of the building for a conference area and periodic training sessions.

Commissioners discussed the temporary-use history and confirmed that temporary use permits expire on sale of a property. After discussion and motions, the commission voted in favor of sending a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors. County staff said the Board of Supervisors will hear the rezoning application at its Jan. 5 meeting, and residents who wish to comment should appear at that meeting; staff advised arriving by 8 a.m. because the hearing time in the board agenda may vary.

Action and next step: The commission’s recommendation is advisory; the Board of Supervisors will make the final decision at its January meeting.