Roll call

Vice Chairman W.J. "Buck" Buchanan called the meeting of the West Columbia Planning Commission to order at 6:03 pm February 23. Councilman L. Dale Harley was the only member of the public in attendance. Members

present included Vice Chairman Buchanan, Preston Cantrell, Nadine Lann, Harold Prater and Gary Prince. Commission members who were absent included Chairman William C. Etheredge and Billy Lynn Williams.

Public hearing

Zoning Administrator Brian E. Carter explained the Marsha family is requesting that the zoning classification of their property be changed from split- zoned C2/R1 (General Commercial/High Density Residential) to LM (Light Manufacturing). Carter noted that part of the property was annexed to the city in 1960 and the rest in 1968. The building's primary function has consistently been light industrial manufacturing and textile work. According to Carter, in 1968, C2 properties allowed the type of light manufacturing that is done in the Marsha building. However, as the zoning ordinances changed over the years, the property became non- compliant. Carter affirmed that the map amendment proposed would be necessary to put the Marsha building in compliance. West Columbia's development plan recommends that the property be split- zoned, but Carter said that this was an instance of the plan being written to fit the property.

Lee Marsha III, the property owner, urged the commission to approve his request. Marsha said that "Over time, I feel it will be important to the city of West Columbia." According to Marsha, around 1988, his family had begun to need the property less and had rented portions of it to a variety of clients. His family had recently recruited a company, High Tech Specialty Fabrics, to take over use of the building. Marsha noted that High Tech Specialty Fabrics has outgrown their present location and wants to expand. High Tech Specialty Fabrics could not take over use of the building without the zoning change.

Councilman L. Dale Harley spoke on Marsha's behalf. "They have been a very good corporate neighbor," Harley said. Councilman Harley added that the Marshas do not need to be penalized for changes that have occurred in the zoning law.

Marsha returned to the podium to to promote business development in West Columbia. Marsha, a real estate broker in Columbia for NAI Avant, said that the UPS hub at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport is a real asset. "We haven't taken full advantage of the hub," Marsha continued. Marsha concluded that more warehouses would ultimately benefit the area around the airport.

Decision and adjournment

The Planning Commission unanimously approved the map amendment. Having no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:25pm.