Concerned residents spoke out against rezoning property off North Poplar Fork Road in Putnam County Tuesday.
The proposed rezoning would change six parcels from "R-1" single family residential to "C-2" high density commercial district, allowing for commercial development on the land.
The six parcels are off North Poplar Fork Road, which intersects State Route 34 in Teays Valley, across from the Liberty Square Shopping Village.
The Putnam County Planning Commission recommended denying the rezoning at its Sept. 27 public hearing.
Mike Castle, a resident in the Briarwood subdivision, said he was offended by the tone of the discussion at the public hearing, which implied the residents cost the county more money than the commercial businesses.
"I don't think I cost this county any money," Castle said. "I think I add to your property, which I'm proud to do."
He said the residents in the neighborhood aren't anti-growth, but think these particular parcels of land shouldn't be used commercially.
Joe Lannom, treasurer for Deer Valley Townhouse Association, voiced his concern about the potential for a truck dealership company coming in. A representative from the business was at the previous public meeting, and expressed interest in developing the land.
"Our biggest concern is we'd be looking directly over this truck lot," Lannom said. "We're worried about the noise and the light that could be going on."
Justin Martin, of Martin's Peterbilt trucks, confirmed his business is interested in the property. However, Commissioner Andy Skidmore said for the purpose of the meeting, the commissioners just have to look at zoning regardless of what company is coming in.
Jamie Carter, who lives off Summer Ridge Road in Briarwood, told commissioners the nursing home on North Poplar Fork, which frequently transfers patients to and from the hospital, may be affected by the construction or increased traffic created by commercial development.
"I think this could temporarily or long-term delay the access they need to get where they need to be as far as emergency services are required," Carter said.
Mike Jarrouge said rezoning the property from R-1 to C-2 is a huge jump, and said there is plenty of commercial property already available in the area that developers could use instead of this land.
"The bottom line, just to keep it simple, we're all taxpaying voters here. We all have a vested interest in what goes on, none of us are against development," Jarrouge said. "We bought our properties in the area for a certain reason ... and [want] it to remain somewhat similar to what it is."
Commissioners motioned to table the decision until the next meeting on Nov. 1 to allow commissioners time to evaluate and consider all of the public comments, emails and petitions regarding the property.
In other action Tuesday, through the Putnam County Parks and Recreation Enhancement grant, the commission voted to approve five of the seven submitted grant applications.
Eleanor, Winfield, Buffalo, Poca and Buffalo Academy will all receive funds to help with a project.
Eleanor, Winfield, and Buffalo will receive $6,275, Poca will receive $4,500 and Buffalo Academy will receive $1,680.
The commission also approved a resolution scheduling a public hearing on application and project plan for Putnam County TIF district number one, which includes the community building project in Valley Park in Hurricane.
The plan includes tearing down the community center and constructing a new, larger community center near the wave pool, among other significant changes to the park.
Reach Laura Haight at laura.haight@wvgazettemail.com, 304-348-4843 or follow @laurahaight_ on Twitter.