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Planning commission split on Zane Kite junkyard permit; tie forwarded to Board
Summary
After public comment and evidence entered from DWR and DEQ, the Planning Commission deadlocked 3–3 on recommendation for Zane Kite’s junkyard special use permit; staff will forward the tie vote to the Board of Supervisors for a final decision.
The Smyth County Planning Commission did not reach a recommendation on Zane Kite’s special use permit for a junkyard at 169 Old Prater Road. After public comment and a short deliberation, the commission’s vote resulted in a 3–3 tie and staff will forward the matter to the Smyth County Board of Supervisors for final determination.
The meeting opened a public-comment period on the application. Supporters, including Michael Tuggle and Bill Stamper, said the operation could provide affordable parts, create entry-level jobs and promote recycling. Opponents — Rebecca Blevins, J. D. Hall and Joey Cook — raised concerns about increased traffic on the narrow road, potential environmental contamination from spills, and impacts to property values; Mr. Hall presented a petition of 72 signatures opposing the junkyard. Supporters Jack and Gracie Billings submitted an online petition they said contained about 453 signatures and said the junkyard is a long-standing community fixture.
Planning staff entered two letters of opposition from Crystal Farley and read a formal protest and photos from neighbors into the record. Ms. Creasy also read emails from the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). Ms. Creasy noted that DEQ issued a VPDES Industrial Stormwater General Permit on the day of the meeting and displayed an approved site plan that had been provided.
During deliberations Commissioner Lea Meadows proposed approval with conditions, including screening (trees and a wall set back about 20 feet from the road) and a review after a period of years; her motion received no second. Commissioner Graham Davidson then moved to recommend denial; the motion, seconded by Commissioner David Buchanan, produced a 3–3 tie (one commissioner absent) with Buchanan, Davidson and Shepherd voting to deny and Campbell, Meadows and Wagoner voting against denial. Assistant County Administrator Clegg Williams confirmed that at the previous meeting the vote was tied and the item had been tabled pending DEQ information, and the commission asked staff to forward the tie to the Board of Supervisors for final action.
Because the commission did not reach a recommendation, the Board of Supervisors will consider the special use permit application at a future meeting.
