Terry McDonald got his wish Tuesday morning.
After extended discussion, commissioners unanimously accepted an Allen County Planning Commission recommendation to rezone about 15 acres he owns east of Gas from commercial to heavy industrial.
The change will permit McDonald to open a salvage yard. For several years he has had a towing service, repaired cars and offered some for sale, all of which was permitted within commercial zoning.
To curry favor, McDonald agreed to erect an eight-foot fence facing U.S. 54 to screen it from U.S. 54 about half a block away. He will plant trees on the west, north and east sides.
At behest of commissioners, McDonald said he would have no more than three cars from the salvage area in public view at one time in or near his shop. He also agreed to be “a good neighbor,” by keeping the lot mowed and clear of debris.
Several neighbors, including Gas councilmen, were against the zoning change. Steve Robb, representing Gas, said the fear was the salvage yard and nearby property would be an eyesore for people driving into town from the east.
Shirley Diehl, whose property is adjacent to McDonald’s and fronts the highway, questioned whether he would fulfill all that was required to keep his property shipshape. A letter from Microtronics, an adjacent manufacturer, expressed similar concerns.
All three commissioners said they had received calls urging denial of the zoning change.
In response to the issue of spot zoning, raised earlier by Ray Maloney, County Counselor Alan Weber said what the planners had recommended was legal. Weber said by its nature almost any zoning change within the county could be considered “spot zoning.”
Weber also the planners weighed the economic benefits of the change compared to damage to the community.
McDonald said he expected to have the place spruced up soon.
Zoning change approved for salvage yard
