For all the talk and hand-wringing about a global recession, there’s no reason to believe the explosive residential and retail growth occurring in our region is anything but a precursor of bigger things to come.
While this growth will be welcomed by many, it will also challenge those in elected positions to balance what’s best for the community with what’s best for municipal and county coffers.
Exhibit A for this argument was and will likely continue to be the ruckus over the biodiesel plant that McLain Farms owners want to operate off rural Snow Creek Road.
While the legal challenge to that proposal could be resolved today in Iredell County Superior Court, Exhibit B is preparing to take center stage before the Statesville City Council.
Maymead Inc. wants to build an asphalt plant off Northside Drive. The company, which owns another plant off Buffalo Shoals Road, contends regional demand for asphalt is the driving force behind the proposal. The site was previously used for the same purpose.
Neighbors, who argue the proposed asphalt plant will be detrimental to their health and quality of life, don’t want any part of it.
Equipped with the city planning board’s recommendation for approval, the City Council will decide whether to grant Maymead a special-use permit for the project next month.
The council’s decision in this matter will be the latest indicator of how much clout the people have in these controversial land-use matters. What’s clear is that Statesville cannot embrace rampant growth with both arms and hold onto its small-town identity.
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