Autry appeals for special exception

Billy Autry has appealed to the Holly Springs Board of Aldermen for a special exception to create a cemetery and build a crematory in a B-2 (business) district.

Pamela Lewis, zoning administrator for the city of Holly Springs, said Autry did not have all his documentation when he asked the Planning Commission to approve his proposed businesses.

Mayor Sharon Gipson said Autry's request for a special exception is allowed.

"Billy is donating the cemetery to the church and needs the plat signed," Lewis said. "It is not required to go through the state because it (the cemetery) is donated to the church.

So, he files it in the courthouse."

Gipson asked Autry what his plans are.

Contractor Gary Selman said Autry wants to build a 30 foot by 60 foot metal building with brick on the front of the building. There will be extra flues and blowers in the building (crematory). And landscaping and green space will be carefully designed to meet all state and local requirements.

"Serenity Funeral Home is people helping people," Selman said.

Gipson called for any questions.

Ward 4 alderman Patricia Merriweather asked what the ruling of the planning commission was on Autry's request.

"They only make recommendations," Lewis said. "They denied based on overwhelming opposition (from the community)."

"Should it go back to the planning commission or to us?" Merriweather asked.

"You can always appeal to the mayor and board when denied by the planning commission," Lewis said. "Anytime someone is denied, the planning commission always tells them they have an option to appeal."

"Why did they deny?" Merriweather asked.

"Some things you need to have before you come to them," Lewis said. "Overwhelming opposition from the public and lack of documentation."

Ward 3 alderman Colter Teel asked if notices were sent out to people who didn't want it.

"Some, yes, that's correct," Lewis said.

Autry expressed appreciation for being allowed to come before the board.

Gipson asked all those who came in support of Autry's project to stand up.

"They are all for it," she said.

"It's an alternative to the traditional burial," said Ward 1 alderman Bernita Fountain.

"Cremation has been around for years and years," Autry said. "Every month someone is cremated from this county. There's not a crematory in this county."

He said he is trying to relocate from Oxford and no longer has a building in Oxford.

"There is not another crematory in this county as far as I know," Autry aid. "It's needed. It's (the church) been around for years off Highway 178."

He said his lot is next door to Christ New Beginnings Church.

Gipson called for a motion. Teel asked if the planning commission has to be notified when an appeal is brought forward to the board of aldermen. "The planning commission recommends," Lewis said. "He's here to appeal it." "My concern is that was the public notified it was on the agenda tonight?" Merriweather said. "No," Lewis said. Fountain said the building will be in Ward I, her Ward. She said she wants to consult the people in Ward I personally, first. "I love the idea to have an alternative to traditional burial," Fountain said. "I'm really happy. I want to get consensus first."

She said she will be prepared to speak on it at the next board meeting.

Autry said it will take 30 days to construct the building, depending on the weather.

Gipson made a statement. "Sometimes when we don't like something, we have to allow it if they meet all the requirements," she said. "I didn't want the Family Dollar Store. We have to be careful in these positions." Gipson said she would put the matter back on the agenda and also reminded supporters to return as well, if Autry meets the regulations. "It's a majority, if they approve it tonight with a vote of three," Fountain said. "I'm not in opposition."