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Planning panel approves building expansion with evergreen-screening condition to limit noise
Summary
The Tupelo planning committee approved a development variance for an existing industrial building expansion, adding a condition that the developer install evergreen shrubs (and pursue reasonable noise mitigation) between new parking and the road; two members recorded opposition and a three-day appeal period was announced.
The Tupelo Planning and Zoning Committee voted to approve a variance allowing expansion of an existing heavy‑commercial building, conditioning the approval on vegetation and other feasible noise‑mitigation measures.
Development services staff told the committee the parcel sits in a long‑undeveloped commercial corridor and that the building is consistent with heavier commercial uses rather than retail. "The recommendation is approval," Mr. Faulner, development staff, said during his presentation.
Committee members pressed for sound mitigation after staff acknowledged a noise complaint had been raised. "Can we make an approval conditional that they include some evergreen screening between the parking and the street?" asked Leslie, a committee member. The motion ultimately approved required the developer "to install evergreen shrubs between the new parking and the road to help mitigate" noise, a condition offered by Mr. Davis, who moved approval.
Muhammad Gamil, a nearby business owner who spoke during the public‑comment period, told the panel he supported the proposal, saying he has worked in the area for nearly 24 years and that redevelopment would bring jobs and activity. "I am there almost 24 years. I haven't seen any trucking company," he said, and added he viewed the project as a positive economic step for the corridor.
Not all members supported the condition. Victor recorded a vote of opposition, and Mr. Williams also said he opposed the restriction, arguing the area’s low residential density counselled against placing limits that could slow redevelopment. The committee nevertheless passed the motion with the evergreen‑screening requirement and broader flexible language allowing reasonable mitigation measures at plan review.
Staff advised the applicant that a three‑day appeal period would begin the following day and that development services would follow up on next steps for site‑plan review and enforcement of any conditions.
The approval applies to the expansion as presented and is conditioned on the developer completing the screening and any additional mitigation agreed at plan review.
