Food for thought when it comes to a junkyard law

 

Oconee County planning commissioners are hearing from the public when it comes to the idea of whether there should be a county law pertaining to junk and scrap yards.  The feedback includes comments from those have a financial stake in the business of junk and scrap, as well as those who have an eye for the county’s natural beauty.  And, as a result, county planner Adam Chapman is going to meet with junkyard operators and tow truck business people to start a conversation as well as to learn some things that may have not yet been thought of or considered.  The idea of an ordinance was on the agenda for a possible vote at this week’s county planning commission meeting, but no votes were taken.  The planning commissioners opened their meeting for public comment.  Speaking on behalf of tow truck operators behind him, businessman Lee Richardson explained why junkyards often fill up with wrecked or abandoned cars and trucks.  “Cars,” he said, “have to have a place to go to die.”  Richardson said tow businesses are feeders of cars that for, a variety of reasons, why up in junkyards.  And those operators, Richardson says, want to be included in discussions and considerations.  In favor of a junkyard law is the Oconee County group Advocates for Quality Development.  A letter from the group was read into the record at Monday’s meeting.