Trying to reach consensus on State Road 23 zoning

by Nora Gathings (hsgathings@wsbt.com)

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There's an effort under way to provide uniform zoning on a stretch of State Road 23 in Granger. Right now, houses are mixed in with commercial businesses along the highway. (WSBT photo)

By Jim Pinkerton

Story Created: Feb 28, 2008 at 9:12 PM EST

Story Updated: Mar 8, 2008 at 7:54 PM EST

GRANGER — A lot of businesses have moved into Granger over the past four years, but there's an effort to redefine how land should be zoned along State Road 23 between Gumwood and Cherry.

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At a meeting Thursday night, most people agreed something needs to be done, but there's disagreement on how to zone land on State Road 23 between Brick and Elm.

That area will expand into a five lane road next year. Homeowners want the land rezoned to business so they can sell it. Others want to put the issue on hold until the road is expanded.

"There are a lot of spot zoning and deliberation and anxiety over how something should be zoned every time something gets brought up," said developer Tom Selsor.

"We are kind of drawing the lines in the sand where we'd like to protect the residential people from commercial growth," said Dale DeVon, County Council member.

"Four or five years later, a company comes along, puts a drive towards the school, tears down trees and build everything up," said Selsor.

So, county officials came up with a new plan to control future growth.

"Granger is predominately residential, so when you try to create commercial growth in a residential community people are a little more concerned," said DeVon.

The future expansion of State Road 23 will bring the road closer to six homes -- causing some concern. Officials asked people whether they wanted business zoning along that area. The unofficial vote was split, keeping it residential for now.

The meeting was intended to create guidelines, so county officials would know when to grant and deny businesses building permits near residential areas.

It's unclear whether any additional zoning changes will be made now.

Many people have proposed revisiting the issue once State Road 23 has expanded to ensure homeowners can sell.

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