Sulphur Springs Residents Prepare to Address City Council on Proposed Zoning Change
November 26, 2024 – Sulphur Springs residents are preparing to make their thoughts known at the December 3 City Council Meeting.
The heart of the issue is a proposed Zoning change. The change would take approximately 40 acres in the northwest part of the city from Single-Family all the way to Heavy Industrial. Planning and Zoning has already submitted their recommendation to proceed with the zoning change.
A “heavy industrial” setting typically contains large-scale manufacturing operations involving heavy machinery, producing raw materials or large-scale components like steel, chemicals, oil products, ships, locomotives, large infrastructure components, and often includes processes like mining, refining, and large-scale assembly lines; essentially, industries that produce heavy, bulky goods and chemicals.
Currently, Heavy Industrial zones are already adjacent to Single-Family Zones in this area. The change would extend the Heavy Industry zoning south. This would bring the possibility of industrial nuisances closer to existing homes and other existing areas like Melhaven Cemetery.
If the zoning change is approved by the City Council, a Hot Mix Asphalt Plant is slated to be built. This type of plant is regulated by the EPA and requires a permit for operation. Homeowners near the proposed site are concerned about the smells that this type of plant produces. The odors from hot mix asphalt plants can include:
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
- Asphalt fume
- Particulate matter (PM)
- Sulfur dioxide
- Hydrogen sulfide
- Nitrogen oxides
- Carbon monoxide
While the odors can be irritating, the risk of adverse health effects is very low. However, neighbors and passersby may become concerned and file complaints, which can lead to regulation and operational restrictions.
Residents point out that there is plenty of open space already zoned for Heavy Industry around Sulphur Springs. In an industrial park setting, the potential nuisances of a asphalt plant would be mitigated.
The rezone (ZC-241101) request by John Heilman and Rick Scherer for 25.997 acres on Seventh Street being further described as Lot I, Blk 76 1 (Parcel ID #5093) and 15.909 acres on Seventh St. being further described as PT. Lot I, Blk 110 (Parcel ID #5645) to rezone from Single-Family to Heavy Industrial.
An online petition in opposition of the zoning change has been started, and at the time of publication, 240 people have already signed it. You can visit the site by clicking here.
