Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Copart's junkyard close to becoming reality

In a note to constituents today, Councilman David Yates (D-25) tells the awful truth about Copart and the company's plans to open what any sensible person would call a junkyard on Pond Station Road.

There has been significant outrage in the community since Copart's plans were revealed.

Yates' statement:

The District 25 office has been notified by Metro Planning and Design that the proposed Copart Facility does not require a Conditional Use Permit, citing that their operation does not exceed the already permitted use of the property under the Land Development Code.
Metro Planning and Design has based their decision on the contention that Copart has applied to only stores vehicle, will not "part" them out for sale, and may only store them in a manner that allows for ease of access.
After several meetings with Copart representatives and their legal counsel, we have voiced our objection to the proposed use at the proposed location. However, our office has continued to work diligently to assist Copart in finding an alternative resolution for all parties- that embraces new business, but protects the use and enjoyment of our neighbor’s properties and the integrity of neighborhoods. We have proposed four alternative suitable options as locations for the Copart facility in other, already heavily industrialized areas more suitable for their business, and we will continue to lobby for their consideration of another site.

It is an understatement to say that we are disappointed with Metro Planning and Designs decision. Based on the current Zoning of the proposed location, it was understood that your Metro Council did not have the authority to review the BOZA decision of the conditional use permit. However, both I and several of my colleges on the Metro Council were prepared to speak out for our constituents and voice our concerns with the proposed use. It is unfortunate that we will no longer be afforded the opportunity to make a public argument to a neutral board on behalf of the citizens directly and indirectly affected.

We will continue to keep you up to date on the progression of this issue.
Click HERE for a copy of the Opinion from Planning and Design.

Please contact our office should you have any concerns, or would like any additional information.
How this plan fits in with the Southwest Greenways project, the Louisville Loop project or the Dixie Highway Corridor Study plan isn't clear. That is because it doesn't fit.

Promised improvements to "quality of life" are obviously not coming for people here.

Just more junk.

The next time you see the mayor, you should ask him what he thinks of our new junkyard. Hell, maybe he will cut the ribbon on it.

While timing the traffic lights on Dixie Highway is nice and new bus shelters and trash cans are better than the over-turned shopping carts riders sit on to wait for the next TARC, these things do not make a real difference in people's lives.

It doesn't help political careers, either.

Last year, people said they didn't want Miller Transportation to build a giant bus maintenance facility at the entrance to a neighborhood. Residents lost.

Last year, people said they didn't want a developer to transfer a parcel of property over to the city because Metro Parks couldn't explain what they were going to do with it. Residents lost.

This year, people said they didn't want these yard sale or flea market businesses to be able to pop up just anywhere. Residents lost.

This year, people said we have finally have enough Family Dollar and Dollar General stores. Please stop granting them permits. Residents lost.

It is over.

We lost.

8 comments:

  1. if this was being proposed in the east end the powers to be downtown would not let it happen. They continue to let this crap be put out here. it all comes down to someone getting paid off. Follow the money trail and it will always stop at a corrupt politician.

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    1. the first part of your comment is right on. The second part, not so much. This isn't about a politician being paid off. It's about a company having too much power and having a weak planning and zoning board that doesn't allow for residents to have a say in the process.

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  2. What can we as residents do to stop this mess. We need this community to all get together and stop it! I am 23 years old and go to college, own a home off of Saint Andrews Church Road, and daily have to watch the area of town that I cherish go downhill. Maybe it is young people like myself that need to step up. I would love to know any way possible for me to do this or to get our community to do this.

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    1. It IS people like you who are going to have to step up. Articulate and educated people MUST become the face of this community. Don't just say you "don't want it". Tell them why you will resist this development and others like it.

      It is about quality of life.

      Make some phone calls. Make some noise. Make some promises about what will happen if this becomes reality. Then, follow through. If it means running for office or aiding a challenger, then do it. We have to work together.

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  3. Just sent an email to Mayor Fischer. I suggest everyone do the same. We need to get this issue out front and on everyone's radar.

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  4. Look on the bright side, we are al least getting another dollar tree at the Walmart shopping center next to the flea market. Whoopie

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  5. Zoning? Here what chris thieneman did to get the planning commission to allow a trailer park put in Valley Station and pretty sure this is the one on Johnsontown Road . It had plenty of people against it which he said, but evidently that didn't matter. The money got it done.

    Have to wonder if that is happening here

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9kXw_HFx14

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    1. Thanks for reposting that. Everyone needs to be reminded who is responsible for that.

      And he's the guy who wants to be your state senator?

      Forget about it.

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