Jefferson County, Ala., commissioners turned down a construction and demolition recycling operator's rezoning request after west Birmingham residents complained of bad odors from the business.
John Bryant of Hoover, a partner in LB Development LLC, said the smell wasn't coming from the business, but from a nearby gas line. He said he didn't see how recycling demolition debris could generate any offensive odors.
Complaints from Sherman Heights spurred county officials to investigate LB Development in January, said Frank Humber, head of the county's land development department.
The business was on unincorporated county land zoned industrial zoning I3. Bryant needed the property rezoned to I2A to operate a salvaging yard/recycling business, Humber said.
He said he didn't know how Bryant got his initial business license to operate the facility, located off Mulga Loop Road near the city neighborhood. Residents weren't notified, he said, because they lived more than 500 feet from the business site.
Commissioner Shelia Smoot said there are too many places in the county where businesses dealing in environmental waste can operate. "I am adamant that these type businesses do not come into residential communities," she said.
After the commission's unanimous vote, Bryant left without comment. Birmingham (Alabama) NewsLatest from Recycling Today
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