With very little discussion Tuesday night, the Franklin County Planning and Zoning Commission approved a conditional use permit for Jerry Eckstein to manufacture and sell fertilizer, lime and seeds on his farm southeast of the Noser Mill area south of Beaufort.
The planners followed the unanimous recommendation of their review committee in granting the CUP.
The property in question totals about 188 acres and is located at 462 Eckstein Road at the intersection with Stuesse Road in Meramec Township. In March, Eckstein appeared before board members and said he wants to divide 6 to 7 acres of the property to use for his business, which currently operates in Beaufort.
Eckstein was not present Tuesday night.
According to information from the county planner’s office, Eckstein’s farm is located in an agriculture nonurban zoning district. In this district, “manufacturing, processing, creating, repairing, renovating, painting, cleaning, assembly of goods, merchandise and equipment and similar uses” requires a CUP.
As defined, a CUP is required for certain land uses which may need special conditions to ensure compatibility with the surrounding area.
The only discussion on Tuesday regarding the CUP centered on a correction from March as well as an entrance to the property. Commission Vice Chairman Bill Evans said that the permit will be transferable if there is ever a new owner of the property as long as the same conditions are met. In March, it was stated the CUP would not be transferable.
County Highway Administrator Eva Gadcke, who also is a member of the planning board, said one existing entrance to Eckstein’s property has some drainage issues, “but there are no other problems.” She recommended the main entrance to the business be off of Stuesse Road.
Stipulations of the CUP include any buildings used or built in connection with the CUP need to be approved by the Franklin County Building Department, Eckstein must complete the subdivision process prior to the permit being issued, and he must not store ammonium nitrate or anhydrous ammonia on the property.
Other CUP Request
In the only other agenda item discussed Tuesday, planners talked about whether to grant a CUP for Christy McMahon Campbell to operate a daycare on her father’s property at 298 McMahon Automotive Drive off of Pottery Road near Washington.
Campbell told the planning board on Tuesday that she wants to operate the daycare at that address for about 15 to 20 children under age 5.
“I’m in the process of getting licensed by the state,” she said.
Campbell also said she plans to use the home already on the 1-acre property and will fence in the area that would be used to run the business. She said her hours of operation will be from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.
“Most everything is already there except for the fence,” she said.
A CUP is needed because the property is zoned suburban development and “preschool, daycare, special or other private school” requires the permit.
Gadcke raised concerns about the proposed driveway that will be used for dropoff and pickup of children. She said the sight distance to the south is limited, creating a blind spot, and the gravel road is not wide enough for two vehicles to be side by side.
Gadcke said she and Washington Road District personnel will have to review the circle driveway that will be used before the CUP is granted.
Evans said the request will be forwarded to the review committee and it again will be discussed in May.
