A site located at Airport and Heybourne roads was approved for an industrial park last week.
Photo by Kurt Hildebrand.
Bently Family Partnership sought approval of a subdivision for a 78.7-acre site in the light industrial and agricultural zoning districts.
The project was denied 3-2 by county commissioners at their May 2 meeting, with Chairman John Engels, Walt Nowosad and Mark Gardner voting against.
But Nowosad sought a rehearing because he had questions about the access roads. In order to rehear the item, a supermajority of commissioners was required. However, when it came to vote, Nowosad was the lone vote in opposition.
Clearly surprised, Gardner attempted to change his vote, but couldn’t get a second.
After a presentation on the project, commissioners voted for it 5-0.
Complicating the project is an 8-foot strip of land along Airport Road that belongs to someone else.
RO Anderson representative Keith Rubel said the strip belongs to someone who lives out of state.
The owner has been unwilling to sell or offer an easement across the property.
The request was approved by Douglas County planning commissioners.
According to planning staff the land designated for the industrial park is entirely within two 39-acre parcels zoned light industrial.
Two roads are proposed to access the park, one off Heybourne Road right across from the county yard and the other off Airport Road.
Airport Road is a state highway, and Bently will have to obtain an encroachment permit for a 450-foot dedicated left turn lane.
