Members of Coweta County Board of Zoning Appeals heard both sides of the argument Tuesday on the request for a Conditional Use Permit and a height variance related to the construction of a proposed asphalt plant by Marietta-based Baldwin Paving Co. on the property of the Vulcan Madras Quarry on Ga. Highway 154. The board took the advice of the county’s planning staff and voted unanimously to recommend the project for approval by the county commission on Sept. 15.

The Conditional Use Permit request was for construction of a 546 square-foot building with six parking spaces. The height variance request dealt with the installation of three 70-foot silos for asphalt storage. The variance was needed because the ordinance calls for a maximum height of 34 feet, 11 inches. Traffic projections noted an estimated 64 total trips per day from the asphalt plant.

The board voted to recommend that the Conditional Use Permit be approved contingent on the compliance with customary local and state regulations and with the understanding that Baldwin refurbish and repaint the plant using neutral colors. The asphalt plant for the site will be one that will be moved from its current location in College Park.

The height variance was also recommended for approval contingent on similar applicable conditions and with the provision that Baldwin install contiguous planting throughout the the 15-foot deep buffer between the property and I-85.

A number of local residents spoke on the proposed project, with most opposing it. Residents of Springwater Plantation and Arbor Springs subdivisions raised concerns about air quality, the visual impact of the proposed plant, stormwater runoff, possible smells coming from the site and additional truck traffic in what was said to already be a congested area.

Springwater Plantation Homeowners’ Association President Brian O’Donnell in addressing the board noted the pea-sized gravel that already litters the roadway that, when combined with rainy weather, makes for slippery conditions.

O’Donnell also commented on the heavy traffic conditions that already exist along the roadway, adding that it took him 15 minutes to get out of his subdivision earlier that day.

It was of note that one of the speakers opposed to the project was not an area resident. Attorney Melissa Griffis confirmed at the meeting that she was in the employ of Marietta-based C.W. Mathis Contracting Co, Inc. A Baldwin asphalt competitor, Mathis also operates a facility at the Vulcan Madras site.

The Baldwin Madras Plant project has already been through the DRI (Development of Regional Impact) process was approved by Georgia Regional Transportation Authority and by Chattahoochee Flint RDC, now known as Three Rivers Regional Commission. Other information on the DRI application noted that the project would have an estimated value of $500,000 at build-out and would generate approximately $5,660 in property taxes and $250,000-500,000 in sales taxes.

Next stop for the proposed project will be the Coweta County Commission on Sept. 15.

login to post comments