Ms. Howson explained that the city had amortized scrap metal processing uses
along 30th Avenue due to adverse impacts including noise and excessive dust.
These uses must cease operations by November 30, 2025. The property owner
now seeks to convert the site to an outdoor storage facility for metals, which
would allow people to drop off metal that would then be removed weekly for
off-site processing. The proposal includes significant site improvements such
as removal of processing equipment, resurfacing, a new wall, landscaping, and
improved signage.
Commissioner Campbell expressed significant concerns about the proposal,
questioning how the city would monitor the quantity of metals stored and how
large metals would be handled without processing. He noted that in addition to
the noise and dust issues that led to the amortization, the 31st Avenue corridor
is planned for redevelopment including improvements near the swap shop, fire
station, and park. He questioned whether a metal storage facility, even with an
improved wall and landscaping, was consistent with the corridor's future vision.
Vice Mayor Martin echoed these concerns, suggesting that the industrial light
(IL) zoning might not be appropriate for the area given the CRA's plans and
recent property acquisitions. He asked whether the IL zoning was intended to
remain when the amortization was initially planned. Ms. Howson responded that
there had not been discussion about removing the IL zoning, as the city has
limited IL-zoned property and planning staff hesitates to transform that
classification without compelling reasons.
Several residents spoke in opposition to the application. Tanya Scott of 3221
Northwest 18th Street, whose property directly abuts the salvage yard,
described the current operation as "extremely noisy, extremely dusty" and
expressed concern that the proposed improvements would only benefit the 31st
Avenue frontage while she would continue to see and hear the activities from
the back. She criticized the limited community outreach, noting she received
only a letter that she almost threw away.
Ralph Cooper of 3155 Northwest 16th Street agreed with Commissioner
Campbell's concerns about noise, dust, and truck traffic. He emphasized that
retired residents on 16th Street are disturbed by early morning noise and
pointed to safety concerns at the already dangerous intersection of 16th Street
and 31st Avenue.
Annie Wright of 3206 Northwest 18th Street shared her frustration about dust
and dirt preventing residents from washing cars or opening windows, even
when air conditioning is out. She questioned how the building originally
appeared without proper notification to residents.
Berlin Ellerson, widow of former community leader Milton Ellerson, passionately
opposed the proposal, describing dust accumulation on her patio table within
minutes and questioning who would build walls high enough to contain the dust.
Attorney Hope Calhoun, representing the applicant, emphasized the property
owner's rights and noted they had worked extensively with city staff and held
multiple community meetings. She clarified that the noise, dust, and traffic
complaints residents described were from a different facility operating to the
south, not her client's property. Property owner Anthony Badala explained they
had already ceased processing operations over 30 days ago and removed all
