Residents meet with Naylor to try to halt plans for proposed junkyard

By TERRY L. JONES

Residents in Irene Chapel and Palmer's Crossing are adamant - they don't want a junkyard popping up in their community.

"Rather than us progressing - which we have seen some progress - that would be a step backwards," said David Rankin, an Irene Chapel resident and community activist.

Now, Rankin and others hope they can convince the city's leaders of the same.

Residents of both neighborhoods met with Ward 5 Councilman Henry Naylor on Tuesday to express their opposition to plans for a new junkyard on nine acres of vacant property in the 100 block of Dixie Pine Road.

Tuesday's meeting came one week after the Hattiesburg Planning Commission approved a request on Dec. 3 from Hattiesburg Concrete Products for an open storage variance on the property.

City officials said Hattiesburg Concrete Products currently owns the property, but wants to sell it to developers with unpopular plans for the property's use.

According to Hattiesburg Zoning Planner Kirstin Kettley, the property's current zoning - light industrial - permits the developers to construct a recycling business.

"But they want to be able to store scrap metal cars outside," Kettley answered. "That's the only issue with the junkyard."

In a 3-1 vote, the planning commission granted developers their open storage request.

According to minutes from the meeting, the dissenting vote came from commissioner Linda McMurtrey who listed one of her primary reasons for voting against the petition was an effort to protect the existing neighborhood.

McMurtrey said opposition from the residents also influenced her vote.

The Planning Commission's decision was immediately appealed the following day by Rankin and Palmer's Crossing resident Frankie Benton.

"We are appalled by the commission's decision because the person that is wanting to locate the junkyard in the neighborhood didn't present a plan," Rankin said.

Given the problems that have played out over the years with residents in the Mobile-Bouie neighborhood and their grievances with a local junkyard in their area, Rankin said the planning commission should have tabled the issue.

Rankin and company seem to have found an ally in Councilman Naylor.

Shortly after Tuesday's meeting, Naylor released a letter to his fellow council members.

"I agree that this proposed open storage does not meet the goals of the City, or the residents, for this area of Ward 5," Naylor wrote. "I am writing to ask that you join me in opposing this request for open storage."

City Council will hear arguments from both sides during a public hearing Jan. 5.

Kettley said if the council denies the open storage petition, developers will still be able to go ahead with their plans for the recycling business.

"This is a step in the wrong direction," Rankin said. "We're hoping the council will support us in our efforts."

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