Stark County approves land‑use change and rezoning for proposed grain facility near Taylor

The Stark County Commission voted April 13 to change the future land use designation for about 303 acres southwest of Taylor from prime agricultural to general industrial and to approve a rezoning with a planned unit development overlay for a privately funded grain‑infrastructure project.

Applicant Ben **** of Dickinson told the commission the project is aimed at building grain storage and drying facilities with rail access to serve identity‑preserved markets. "I did dedicate a 200 foot buffer around the entire property, where I will not build any structures," he said, adding that phase 1 is self‑funded and that manufacturing or biofuel plants would require separate permits and additional public hearings.

The commission’s county planner, Steve Josephson, said both staff and the planning and zoning commission recommended the land‑use change, citing soil types and proximity to rail and interstate infrastructure. Josephson also said the county expanded mailed notice for this project to 500 feet and that the city of Taylor submitted a letter of support dated March 9, 2026.

Opponents raised concerns about community notification, noise, grain dust and the possibility that broader industrial uses could appear later. "I bet 90% of the people in Taylor still don't know anything about this," said Russ Myron, a lifelong Taylor resident. Kevin Zillick, another resident, asked, "What is this gonna do for Taylor?" and said he feared the town would get few benefits while bearing the effects.

Commissioners exchanged questions about what the current votes would decide and whether the PUD would limit future uses. Josephson said the PUD was designed to limit both the kinds of uses allowed and where they would be located, and that the applicant would be required to enter a road‑improvement agreement and follow dust‑control and other conditions.

On the first item — the future land use map amendment — commissioners voted in favor after addressing a potential conflict of interest by the chair (who initially indicated he would abstain). Later, on the rezoning/PUD application (VUD 0125), the commission approved the rezoning in a roll‑call vote: Commissioners Franciuk, Claris and White voted aye, Commissioner Marsh voted no, and Chair Messer voted aye, carrying the motion.

Supporters argued the rail spur and local delivery point would let area farmers access specialty markets and receive local grading and quality checks, potentially increasing returns for identity‑preserved grain. "A local delivery point gives the farmer the chance to get grading locally, and then they can deal with that load," the applicant said, noting interest from large millers in identity‑preserved wheat.

The commission’s approvals set conditions for future permits and infrastructure agreements; any new industrial uses outside the PUD’s allowed list would require separate hearings. The rezoning also requires the applicant to obtain road agreements, comply with county, state and federal development regulations, and manage dust control on the property.

The commission moved on to other business after the votes. The next procedural steps for the project include the applicant securing required engineering, permits and road agreements, and any phase‑2 proposals (such as mills or crushers) returning to the public process before construction.

The commission’s action was procedural and does not authorize any specific manufacturing operation; it creates a zoning pathway that the applicant and other parties must follow for future approvals.