City may OK trucks on Grant
Managing editor
There was a verbal consensus from Marion City Council on Monday to repeal an ordinance that restricted truck traffic in Jex Addition in the southwest part of the city.
Marion Board of Zoning Appeals gave Darryl Brewer of Marion approval Feb. 24 to continue his truck parking business on Grant Street after the board reviewed the use of his property and determined that the use hadn’t changed as light industrial in the predominantly residential area.
Brewer attended the council meeting Monday to ask the council to change the truck route.
When Brewer previously operated his truck parking business, the city determined that the truck route would be Whitter, Burbridge, and South Grant streets, requiring semis and trailers to cross an unmarked railroad crossing and the crossing does not accommodate large vehicles.
Currently, no trucks more than 24,000 pounds are allowed on Grant Street.
Previously, some residents in Jex Addition expressed safety concerns if trucks were allowed to use Grant Street as a main thoroughfare while others said Grant Street had been the designated truck route for decades before Brewer established his truck parking business.
Councilman Steve Smith asked if Brewer would agree to a reduced speed limit. Brewer said he would and suggested parking only on one side of Grant Street to allow sufficient room for trucks.
Brewer said in the past trucks had parked in the southern part of his property, as far away from residents as possible.
“The city trash trucks weigh more than these trucks,” Brewer said.
City administrator Doug Kjellin said it was a concern that Brewer was given permission to operate his business but the access was difficult for trucks to maneuver.
Brewer continued that he was to appear in court the next day and wanted some indication from the city that the truck route problem would be worked out. The council suggested Brewer work with Kjellin and city attorney Keith Collett to work out an agreement.
The council will address the repeal of ordinance 1273 and the adoption of a new ordinance tailored for the truck parking business at its next meeting May 16.