Letter To the Editor

Dear Editor,

Sue Watson did a good job of presenting an accurate report of the January zoning board meeting, in which the board approved the rezoning of a 94acre tract near Barringer Road and Farley Road.

Developer John Porter’s plan to rezone the land from single-family to multi-family won the board’s approval despite more than 100 residents signing petitions opposing the rezoning.

When board member Clista Ash asked what Mr. Porter planned to build, his representative Robert Reaves said he didn’t know. As Ms. Watson reported, zoning administrator Ken Jones quickly jumped in to defend Mr. Porter, saying the developer did not want to spend money drawing up plans until the property is rezoned.

I believe Mr. Jones’ loyalty is misplaced. Instead of worrying about a developer’s pocketbook, he should be more concerned about protecting the taxpayers of Marshall County. I read articles in The Commercial Appeal and The Daily Memphian about Mr. Porter’s attempts at developing in Shelby County, and he always presents detailed plans of what he intends to build. Why does our zoning board not require the same level of preparation?

Beth Gooch Byhalia, MS.