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Dec. 8, 2011
The Garrett County commissioners voted unanimously on Tuesday not to grant a junkyard license to Oakland area businessman Don Nine. Following their decision, the commissioners held a brief discussion about land-use restrictions and zoning.
"I believe the public has resoundingly articulated their concerns, interests, and apprehensions against the issuance of this junkyard license," Commission chair Gregan Crawford said. "I support their concerns."
Nine operates Don's Classie Car Company at 506 Hutton Road, where used vehicles are brought to the 4.5-acre property, salvaged for parts or repaired, and resold.
A public hearing on the application was held in November in which Nine outlined his plans for the license. He indicated he would not operate a junkyard per se, only a storage/recycling lot. Old cars would be stored in a 150-foot by 300-foot screened-in area at the back of the property. Restored vehicles would then be available for purchase on a lot in front of the property, and car shells would be transported from the site to a junkyard.
Nine noted that he had already installed a 7-foot high fence around the proposed storage area and was willing to erect more screening.
Many of Nine's neighbors objected to granting the license, voicing their concerns about the unsightliness of the property, possible negative impacts on the environment, and the potential for declining property values.
One of Nine's neighbors pointed out that at one point in 2007 more than 30 "junk" cars were on the Nine property, which prompted several people to petition the county to look into the violation.
The county junkyard ordinance states that no more than five vehicles slated to be junked or dismantled may be located on a property, unless the owner has a license.
The ordinance also states that a junkyard cannot be within 500 feet of any residence, retail business, church, or other institution, unless screening effectively prevents the junkyard from detracting from the value of those places.
It was noted at the hearing that at least one business is within 500 yards of the Nine property, and there are home owners who, despite fencing, can see the proposed junkyard/storage site from their elevated properties.
Licensing and enforcement inspector Mark Weber acknowledged at the hearing that the county has received complaints about the Nine property over the last three or four years and that Nine has brought it into compliance intermittently during that time.
Weber stressed, however, that Nine was working with his office to bring his property into compliance in order to get a license and become "legitimate."
More here.
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