Panel makes no move on permit issue

Proposed commercial venue to get another look in August

FAYETTEVILLE — A proposed commercial venue denied by the Planning Board in May, but appealed to the Quorum Court, will be considered again next month, justices of the peace decided Thursday.

“I’d have been happier if they’d of upheld the Planning Board’s decision,” neighbor Tim Foster said. “We do not want to live next to a commercial industrial type place.”

The Quorum Court didn’t move on an ordinance amended to deny the project.

At least 30 people attended Thursday’s meeting to oppose ratifying a permit for Pat Tobin, who wants to put 10 metal buildings on his 19 acres at 4012 Old Wire Road. Tobin wants to rent the warehouse-like buildings to businesses. The buildings would be between 2,500 to 5,000 square feet, county records show.w

Tobin’s property is zoned for residential home and agricultural use and requires a permit for alternative uses.

Several justices of the peace said they’re concerned about the compatibility of the commercial venue in a mostly residential area. Other concerns included drainage and flooding and the process for renting the property.

The proposal is for unknown renters.

An attorney representing Tobin told justices of the peace there are businesses already in the area. He wouldn’t answer other questions after the meeting Thursday.

Tobin has already filed a lawsuit against the Planning Board in Circuit Court, even though the Quorum Court hasn’t made a decision on his project. That’s unusual in the process because normally appeals are filed in Circuit Court after the Quorum Court ratifies or denies a project, said Justice of the Peace Eva Madison, a Democrat representing

northeastern Fayetteville.

Tobin’s neighbors and Fayetteville oppose his project, but planning staff recommended approving it with some conditions. That support continued Thursday.

The business model is new to Washington County but affordable commercial space is needed, said Sita Nanthavong, planner. Plans also should improve the area’s drainage, she said.

An engineer is expected to attend the next meeting for insight into drainage concerns, she said.

In other business, the Quorum Court decided to draft an ordinance that will let voters decide on whether to implement a 1plan /8-cent sales tax as part of a to preserve green space. The ordinance will be considered next month.

The Quorum Court gave the first reading to an ordinance to repeal language meant to keep elected officials from hiring other county elected officials whose terms ended less than a year ago.