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M&P Logistics seeks exception to park box trucks, council hears landscaping and screening plan
Summary
M&P Logistics asked Florence council for a concept-plan exception to park 21 box trucks and 21 semi tractors on a 1.7-acre site near I-75; planners and the applicant proposed a berm, Arborvitae and enhanced fencing, while councilmembers urged on-site visits and questioned how quickly screening will mature.
At its July 21 caucus, Florence City Council reviewed Resolution R-26018, a change-of-concept-plan request from M&P Logistics to allow truck and vehicle parking on a 1.7-acre site adjoining I-75 near Tannersgate Lane.
Planner Mr. Morgan explained the request would permit 21 box trucks, 21 semi tractors and up to 50 passenger vehicles as an accessory use to the M&P office at 7900 Tannersgate Lane. He said motor-freight terminals and warehousing are not normally permitted in the Parkway Corridor study district and that the applicant seeks an exception as part of a planned development.
The planning commission unanimously recommended approval with two conditionschiefly barring storage of semi trailers, trailers or freight containers on site and prohibiting loading/unloading activities. The planning-and-zoning committee recommended a further condition limiting truck and vehicle parking to use as accessory to the listed tenant at 7900 Tannersgate Lane.
Brock Begay, director of landscape architecture and planning at Vioxx and Vioxx, described a screening plan that includes a 3-foot berm, year-round evergreen plantings (Arborvitae, hollies and junipers) planted at nursery heights of approximately six feet to provide immediate presence and longer-term screening; he said overhead utilities limit maximum plant sizes. Applicant Steve Hall, president of M&P Logistics, said the company would undertake the landscaping work promptly if council approves the plan.
Councilmembers asked staff and the applicant to drive the site and see current conditions along southbound I-75; one member said the lot was already "full" of tractors and box trucks and wanted assurance the buffer would quickly mature and be maintained. Mr. Morgan confirmed a 52-foot separation from the interstate edge to the proposed berm and fence and showed cross-section details.
No vote was taken; the planning committeeand planning commission recommendations and proposed conditions will come back to council for placement on a future business meeting agenda.
Next steps: staff will return with any needed refinements and formal agenda placement for a decision.
