February 18, 2025 – Regular Meeting Recap
This was a normal meeting with four agenda items:
Case #2024-0350
Request: Conditional use permit to add a dwelling greater than 1,000 square feet.
Address: 160 Barber Rd, Chadwick.
Decision: Approved.
Case #2025-0005
Request: Zoning change from R-1 residential to R-3 multi-family residence.
Address: 1559/1561 Clearwater Drive, Ozark.
Decision: Approved.
Comments: There were many multi-family residences in the area.
Case #2025-0006
Request: Conditional use permit to add a dwelling greater than 1,000 square feet.
Address: 2451 N. 20th Street, Ozark.
Decision: Approved.
Comments: This was a 7.5-acre lot; the owners could have subdivided a 3-acre lot and built the dwelling.
Case #2025-0008
Request: Zoning change from C-1 commercial to C-3 commercial.
Address: 4631 Selmore Rd, Ozark.
Decision: Approved.
Comments: This request was made by the Ozark Mountain Pentecostal Church to increase the size of their parking lot.
February 20, 2025 – Community Meeting Recap
This meeting allowed commissioners (all in attendance) to gather community feedback on a proposal for a 70-acre farm located between the Finley River and W. Riverdale Rd, just west of the Hwy 160 bridge over the Finley River.
Proposal:
The property owner is seeking a 60-year permit to strip mine the land for gravel, digging down 14 feet.
Community Response:
All attendees were given an opportunity to speak, and 100% of comments were against the proposal.
Key Concerns Raised:
- A 60-year permit could lead to the development being abandoned when unprofitable, leaving the land unrestored.
- Frequent flooding of the Finley River could turn the strip-mined area into a massive marsh.
- Strip mining could introduce silt into the Finley River, damaging the ecosystem and affecting the James River.
- Flooding could alter the course of the Finley River.
- An historic cemetery adjacent to the site could be affected by flooding from the mining area.
- Bonds and insurance meant to guarantee repairs may not be sufficient to cover major damage to surrounding and downstream properties, including the James River.
Next Steps:
At least one more meeting on this proposal will be scheduled in a larger venue. Community members are encouraged to attend and voice their opinions.
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