By Joey Chenowith | Coolidge Examiner
A controversial rezoning ordinance received city council approval in spite of requests by neighboring Randolph residents that it be postponed due to concerns over the effect of industry in the area.
The ordinance rezone 124 acres of land on the southeast corner of Kleck Road and Interstate 87 from general rural to general industrial, bringing the zone up to date with the general plan approved in 2014, as well as making it consistent with surrounding properties that have been supporting industry for years.
When the rezoning came before the planning and zoning commission in June, it was met with opposition from a handful of passionate residents from unincorporated Randolph. The residents said they were dubious of industry’s effect on their lives, due to an odor arising from the Western Emulsions plant located a mile away in the Coolidge city limits. They said the smell gets so bad at times that some have had to sleep somewhere else in order to get away. They requested the rezoning be tabled until the situation with Western Emulsions is resolved, but the board approved it unanimously.
