Quite a crowd gathered at the Collins Building on Tuesday evening to oppose an application being heard at the Creek County Planning Commission meeting.
Applicant Country Investment requested an approval of rezoning its property at 10514 South 49th West Avenue from Agricultural to Commercial to allow a lot split for an office space and RV repair shop.
Nearby neighbors and property owners showed up in droves to voice their disapproval with the plan, which would turn the largely residential area just southwest of the Creek Turnpike entrance into what some called “an RV junkyard.”
One property owner, Brian LaRouche, said that if the application were approved and the business were to move forward, it would “be the anchor that defines that intersection.”
Another neighbor, Joe Lester, told the owner of the property in question, Rafael Santiago, “I like you, you’re a good person,” when Santiago asked if they would condone the plan if he eliminated the “RV part” of the business, but said vehemently, “No! Nothing commercial!”
Lester and other neighbors spoke about the money they’ve invested into their homes and properties and the tax dollars they generate.
The Planning Commission, while ensuring the attendees knew that they were just an advisory board to the Board of County Commissioners and that they should reach out to their County Commissioner, Newt Stephens, with their opinions, ultimately agreed with them that this was not the best use for that property, and denied the application in a split 6-3 vote.
The application heads to the BOCC for final say at its Monday morning meeting.
