Boone County Commission approves MidwayUSA rezoning request despite some opposition
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
UPDATE: The Boone County Commission approved a request to rezone land for a MidwayUSA facility after a couple of hours of public comment Tuesday night. The proposal passed in a 2-1 vote, with Northern Boone County Commissioner Janet Thompson opposing.
ORIGINAL: The Boone County Commission is expected to vote Tuesday on whether to grant a request to rezone land for a MidwayUSA facility between Rocheport and Columbia.
The county Planning and Zoning Commission voted against the change last month based on concerns that it would change the neighborhood's character and affect property values.
MidwayUSA wants to build a new headquarters at the intersection of Highway 40 and Route J.
The company wants to rezone about 193 acres of agriculture land for industrial use. MidwayUSA founder and CEO Larry Potterfield sent letters to neighbors near the proposed facility in August about the company's intention.
Potterfield states in the letter as the business continues to grow, the company can no longer expand on their current property, located on the corner of Highway UU and Van Horn Tavern Road.
According to the meeting minutes from the November 21st planning and zoning meeting a traffic engineer Shawn White said the new building would employee up to 1,200 people. White said MidwayUSA's current location on the Road employs about 550 people.
The engineers for the building also argued it would help the tax base in Boone County. Potterfield told ABC17 News the new development would bring $4,491,757 in annual real estate taxes. Right now, he says the land brings in $4,173 per year.
Neighbors in the area organized a petition against the development, which received nearly 350 signatures.
One resident Denny Stephenson said he has lived in the area for 27 years. He is concerned the facility would cause problem for his cattle, create traffic, unwanted light and decrease the property value of his home.
"(We're) not opposed to the growth, and not opposed to business growing in any way, shape or form," Stephenson said. "But this isn't an appropriate place in a planned and zoned community."
The appeal is on the agenda for the commission's 7 p.m. meeting. Commissioners have the power to override the decision to deny the rezoning request.
Potterfield was not able to comment today, but told ABC17 News he would attend the meeting tonight.
Watch ABC17 News at 6 for a full report.
