January 13, 2004
Calling it the hardest planning and zoning decision he’s been called on to make in his four years as a county commissioner, Dan Dinning this afternoon made motion to deny issuance of a special use permit to allow Glen Isaac to continue operating a family sawmill on County Road 32, but allowed the family six months before they have to cease operations to allow them the opportunity to find a more appropriate site.
That motion carried unanimously.
Over 30 people attended the 2 p.m. hearing, forcing a last minute change in location from the commission chambers to the extension office. Isaac and his two sons have been operating the two portable mills on their six-acre parcel since 2001, starting out as a part-time venture that soon expanded into a full-time operation. At the time he established the mill, he said he spoke to his neighbors to let them know what he planned, but said he didn’t know he was required to obtain a permit. Until the last year, few questions were raised concerning the mill, but as his reputation for making specialty wood products spread, his business grew.
A number of people spoke in favor of allowing the operation to continue, including one man who traveled to the hearing from Creston, British Columbia, to tell commissioners he runs a similar mill in Canada and works with Isaac. Shutting down a small operation here, he said, would have a significant impact on his operation.
But while many were in favor of his proposal, there was no getting around the views of nearby property owners, who showed that the area has for many years been growing steadily as a quiet residential area. Patty Perry, who owns property nearby, showed a sketch of the 1.5 miles of County Road 32, dotted with 29 homes on the roadway alone, not counting those set back a little distance. Perry and others said they admired what Isaac has accomplished and lauded his business, but said the location was not suitable.
“We specifically bought our property and paid top dollar for it because of the way it’s zoned,” Patty’s husband, Jim Perry, said. “That deserves protection, too.”
While those in favor spoke up for protecting property rights and helping the local economy, those opposed said their right to enjoy the peaceful residential nature of the area was jeopardized by the operation of the mill with its noise, increased traffic and dust and the unsightliness of slash and chip piles.
At the conclusion of the public comment period, Isaac said he respected the views of his neighbors, and hoped they could remain friends.
Before making the motion, Dinning said his family has long depended on timber products and mills for its livelihood, and said he operates a portable mill himself. Before the vote was called for, commission chair Ron Smith said that while it was a tough decision, it was the right decision to protect the property rights of those living in the area.
“I hope nobody walks away thinking we want to see this type business fold or jobs disappear,” he said. “It’s a great business, it’s just in the wrong location.”
Commissioners hope Isaac can use the six-month period to fulfill existing obligations and find a more suitable location from which to operate. But as those in attendance filed out, Isaac told commissioner Walt Kirby that he had worked hard to build what he has, and said he can’t afford the cost of purchasing or leasing more property.
“I’m afraid I’ll have to sell out,” he said.