Nebraska City Sets Deadline for Scrap Dealers

Salvage yards and recycling companies in Grand Island, Neb., were put on notice -- look good or be closed down.

The message came from the Grand Island City Council, which approved stipulations for improvement for four local businesses to spruce up their appearance by fall.

On notice are Omaha Paper Stock Co., Oakleaf Auto Crushing, Kramer's Auto Parts and Iron Co., and Alter Scrap Processing at 1119 E. Fourth St.

All were noted for not having the required sight-obscuring fences around their scrap piles.

"We need these kinds of businesses, but they need to abide by the rules," said Councilwoman Margaret Hornady.

Hornady set out initially to deny all four businesses the conditional use permits that are mandatory for the businesses to legally operate. Without the permits, the businesses would have to close.

Hornady argued that many of the businesses had been before the council previously with similar problems, yet were back again with new deadlines being discussed.

"If we choose a new drop dead date is anyone going to drop dead?" she asked.

City Attorney Doug Walker said the matter is simple. The council sets a date for compliance and if it's not met, he files a shutdown order in court the next day.

The council bantered about what deadlines were appropriate, but ultimately came back to dates recommended by Building Department Director Craig Lewis.

That gives Oakleaf, Kramer's and Alter Scrap until Sept. 30 to have the fence properly in place. Omaha Paper has until Oct. 30 because it also must plant landscaping along its East Highway 30 entrance.

Alter Scrap must also install a sidewalk by May 30, 2004, after it overlooked the sidewalk requirement in a 1993 subdivision agreement.

"We're trying to improve the image of the city," Councilman Mitch Nickerson explained as he questioned each business representative on the new "drop dead dates."

He also encouraged the businesses to do a nice job with the fences and not create a patchwork job that creates more of an eyesore than what is behind the fence.

While all the businesses were represented, several neighbors to Oakleaf spoke in favor of his conditional use permit being retained.

"I'm all for keeping the city beautiful and clean -- that's why we need these businesses," said Wayne Gleason on behalf of all four businesses. Grand Island (Nebraska) Independent