By Katie Holland

Staff Writer

SALEMBURG—One couple’s attempt to keep some neighboring property from being rezoned has led the Salemburg town board to table its decision rather than moving forward with the request.

The property in question, located on East College Street, is owned by Everett Bland. He is hoping to rezone the property behind his furniture refinishing business from residential to downtown business, and John and Teresa Creech, who live in close proximity to the property, wish for it to remain residential.

Before the Creeches addressed their concerns, town clerk Juanita Faircloth made a presentation, noting that the Planning and Zoning board had approved the zoning change prior to the town’s meeting

“Mr. Bland owns a small parcel that he would like to use for storage,” said Faircloth, noting that neighboring residential property will not be impacted.

As soon as Faircloth finished her presentation, Mr. Creech addressed the group with his concern that the change would impact his tax base.

“It will absolutely not affect your tax base,” said Faircloth. “Mr. Creech, land value will not decrease.”

Mrs. Creech then spoke up. “Well it looks to me like you (the board) have already made up your mind.” She also added that she works with revaluations and was certain that it would impact the value of her home.

“Not too many people want to live across from storage,” said Mrs. Creech.

Mr. Creech then expressed his belief that Bland’s intentions to keep the area as storage may not be in the permanent picture, noting that once the property is rezoned, he could use it for other business means.

“Has anyone looked into the environmental impact this may cause?” he asked.

“This occurs to me as something to look at,” he added, emphasizing that he has noticed some smells coming from the company.

With no one saying that they had researched the potential environmental hazards of having a furniture company being extended, Faircloth explained, “We will need to check this out.”

Mayor Bobby Strickland then acknowledged that if it is in fact storage, there would be no hazard.

Mrs. Creech the answered, “I am not certain that it will always be storage.”

Following the public hearing, Strickland acknowledged that despite the planning board’s approval of the request, an investigation may still be needed before the town board votes.

Commissioner Joe Warren agreed, saying that the board needed to check into it.

Faircloth then remarked that up until Thursday night’s meeting, no one had ever complained about the property.

Warren then said, “I have smelled it.” Later on, he stated that a smell could have come from something other than the furniture finishing business.

“It is not an everyday thing,” said Warren.

With this commissioner Arnold Page motioned to table the issue. Commissioner George Lockamy seconded it, and it was approved unanimously.

Katie Holland can be reached at 910-592-8137, ext. 136, or by e-mail at silife@myclintonnc.com.