Coal Terminal Debate Could End With Fiscal Court Vote: Developer Wants Rezoning for Carneal Road Area

By The Paducah Sun, Ky.

Mar. 10–The McCracken County Fiscal Court is set to vote tonight on rezoning 265 acres along Carneal Road that would allow a coal transfer terminal to be built.

The change from rural residential to heavy industrial zoning would allow the developer, Ashley Four Rivers LLC, to build the terminal.

The planning commission gave its support for the project on Dec. 12 by recommending the zoning change on a 3-1 vote.

However, several Carneal Road residents disagree, and are fighting the project.

Many spoke during a December public hearing. They said that the prospect of hearing coal trains 24 hours a day is disturbing. Also, they said the area has become more residential, a change that does not justify rezoning.

Attorney Edwin Jones, who represents about 25 Carneal Road residents, said the zoning change would open the door to anything allowed under heavy industry.

However, Mark Whitlow, who represents Ashley Four Rivers, said the company would be required to follow the development plan.

Some Carneal Road residents and owners of nearby businesses are skeptical that the developer’s planned dust collection system would not prevent coal dust from escaping the property.

The developers agreed not to store uncovered coal on the ground, which would reduce the likelihood of dust affecting nearby residents and businesses.

The heavy amount of coal already handled in the area, and the presence of other industries, makes the project a sensible fit, according to developer Bill Rager.

Project engineer Charlie Skaggs described plans to enclose the building where railcars would be unloaded, install a vacuum system to collect dust and cover conveyor belts that would carry coal to river barges.

The fiscal court will meet at 6 p.m. in district courtroom D on the main floor of the McCracken County Courthouse.

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Copyright (c) 2008, The Paducah Sun, Ky.

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