City manager also provides updates on proposed Dunkin and Domino’s development and addresses rumors surrounding the former Bi-Lo property
By: Jeremy Handel, Staff Writer
jeremy@thewoodrufftimes.com
Before approving zoning for three parcels annexed last week, the Woodruff City Council was informed that a local resident was challenging the annexation process.
Donna Pearson appeared before the council at the April 28 meeting, indicating that she had reported the city’s annexation of a 10-foot strip of land near Cross Anchor and Miller roads to state investigators for suspicion of legal irregularities.
Municipalities commonly use the 10-foot strip method to connect city property to a parcel farther down the road, making it contiguous for annexation purposes. The 10-foot strip does not obligate the owner of that property to comply with city regulations, zoning, or taxation; it is merely a line on the map connecting the city to other property. The property owner must agree to allow the annexation of the 10-foot strip on their property.
City officials used this method to connect two parcels near the intersection to a 205-acre parcel on Highway 221. The owner of the larger parcel had requested annexation.
Pearson alleges that the city did not properly conduct the 10-foot strip annexation in this case by failing to obtain 100 percent owner approval and by including a suspicious signature on the annexation petition.
While the 10-foot strip method to connect properties for annexation is common, it is not without controversy. Citizens throughout the state have challenged the practice before with decisions going both ways in different cases.
The City of Woodruff has used the practice several times to accommodate annexation requests from larger parcels.
Pearson did not indicate which state agency she contacted regarding her allegations.
Because she requested to speak as a member of the public, council members were not able to officially respond to her comments in the meeting. City Manager Lee Bailey said Pearson had shared her concerns with city officials.
During the business portion of the meeting, the council did approve the zoning of the parcel in question – 205 acres on Highway 221 – to single-family residential. They also approved zoning a 53-acre parcel on Miller Road for single-family residential.
City manager gives update on local projects
During the city manager’s update, Bailey told the council that the city continues to have a number of projects in the works. He said the city had finalized several permits for the addition of a Dunkin’ Donuts and a Domino’s Pizza next to the Handee Mart on Main Street, replacing the self-service car wash.
Councilman Buddy Arnold inquired about any pending projects slated for the former Bi-Lo property. Bailey indicated that, contrary to several rumors, the city has not been in contact with Big Air regarding a takeover of the property. He said that Ingles now owns that property and is trying to redevelop the entire plaza, but that no projects are currently in the works.
The Woodruff City Council meets on the last Tuesday of each month at City Hall. The meetings are open to the public and the next meeting is on Tuesday, May.
