The Henderson City Council chose to table a proposed text amendment to its zoning code that would have allowed for truck stops and freight terminals in the I1 and I2 zones of the city and the Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ).
Those zones are industrial. They include areas along Raleigh Road and US 1 from Newton Dairy Road south into the ETJ.
Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard was included in the amendment; however, there are no I1 or I2 areas along that route.
The proposed amendment included several restrictions, such as:
According to Planning and Development Director Erris Dunston, a typical I2 setback is 50′.
Any truck stop would have to comply with ordinances regarding auto repair shops already on Henderson’s books.
Member Mike Rainey spoke out against having truck stops in the city. He asked if they could be restricted to the ETJ.
City Attorney John Zollicoffer noted that under the proposed amendment, there are not too many places in the city where a truck stop could be located. He went on to say that the city cannot ban truck stops, but as the zoning ordinances stand now, they would not have much restriction.
Member Mary Emma Evans said that if the city tries to ban everything that comes into Henderson, no one will have a job.
“I’d rather have noise than people waiting at the unemployment office every day,” Evans said.
Member Garry Daeke questioned whether the minimum size of five acres was large enough for a truck stop.
When Henderson Mayor Pete O’Geary opened the public hearing and called for those who would speak against the zoning amendment, Henderson resident and former city council candidate Lewis Edwards was the only one who spoke. He told members that the amendment was not a necessary action, and that an ordinance is already in place.
Edwards characterized the issue’s return to the council as “suspect and troubled”.
No one spoke in favor of the change. O’Geary closed the public hearing.
When Evans asked if anyone has applied to bring a truck stop to Henderson, Dunston replied that the person who was asking about it was “long gone”. She said that it was felt that it was necessary to put something in place for the next person [who inquires about truck stops in the city].
Member Mike Inscoe suggested that it would be appropriate for the council to be shown the I2 sections of the city and the location of the closest residential homes. On that basis, the council unanimously voted to table the amendment for future discussion.