B&B, NEMPA want to expand

Published 12:00 pm Tuesday, May 24, 2016

The Lafayette County Planning Commission approved several matters during its regular meeting Monday evening, but some came with contingencies for improving access roads.

B&B Concrete received preliminary and final commercial site plan approval for a new ready-mix concrete plant on County Road 290.

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David Brevard, representing B&B, said the second ready-mix facility in Oxford would add an additional six employees to the current 18 the company employs locally.

“We see the potential for another 10-12 jobs created between both plants,” Brevard told the commission.

Brevard said the company also would be willing to partner with the county in making necessary improvements to County Road 290. Approval was granted with contingencies placed on road improvements to County Road 290.

North East Mississippi Electric Power Association is looking to expand its facility near the intersection of Highway 30 and Highway 7 and sought preliminary and final commercial site approval.

North East Power General Manager Keith Hayward said the company continues to grow and expansion is necessary.

Hayward said North East Power is willing to work with the county in making improvements to Skyline Drive, which was once a private road but is now on the county road register, according to county engineer Larry Britt.

Lawrence Chandler, who lives on Skyline Drive, said improvements are definitely needed before the expansion takes place.

“It was not a good road when the Northeast project began and it’s definitely not much of a road now,” Chandler said.

The commission gave approval contingent upon the road improvements to Skyline Drive.

A new development on County Road 177 received preliminary subdivision site plan approval, contingent upon road improvements.

Carter’s Creek will be located on 33 acres with seven lots that will range from just over an acre to 11 acres, according to Chad Myer with Precision Engineering.

The county road on the west side of Lafayette County, however, is very narrow.

Some neighbors wanted assurances that mobile homes were not part of the plan for the new development.  Retired surgeon Dr. D.J. Canale and his wife have lived on the road for 27 years and asked what type of homes would be developed.

Myer said the developer has not indicated what type of homes would be developed but was certain mobile homes would not be allowed and there would be strict covenants.

Commission member Ray Garrett voted against the project.

In other matters:

•The commission approved a fellowship hall expansion for Bethel Baptist Church. The free standing facility would possibly be connected by a covered walkway.

•The Heights Phase III received a plat change to increase the storm water retention area.

•Camp Lake Stevens was granted permission to replace one of three homes on the property.