News

There is currently a rezoning application before the Franklin County Board of Commissioners that would allow the construction of an asphalt and concrete plant, rock quarry, and mulch yard right next to the Tar River in Louisburg.

Wade Moore Equipment, a Maryland-based company, is requesting to rezone 189.38 acres at 934 East River Road in Louisburg from Light Industrial/Residential/Conservation District to Heavy Industrial, to allow for the expansion of an existing sand mine that has been operating since 1968, and to also include an asphalt and concrete plant, rock quarry, and mulch yard.

On Monday evening over zoom, the Franklin County Commissioners met to discuss this rezoning application and held a public hearing so that members of the public could weigh in on the application. Neighbors showed up in force to voice their overwhelming disapproval of the rezoning application — they highlighted concerns about the dangers to residents, especially seniors and young families, from additional trucks on a road that already is overburdened with truck traffic; health concerns from the asphalt plant’s air pollution; and a frustration that this proposal was even up for discussion given the proximity of a historically African American residential community that has been there for generations. Your Pamlico-Tar Riverkeeper also spoke about potential impacts to the environment, water, and health of nearby residents posed by these heavy industrial operations.

The Commissioners are meeting tonight at 7 pm to make a decision on whether to approve or deny this re-zoning application.