City council approves controversial salvage yard for north Wichita
The Wichita City Council voted Tuesday to approve a permit for a wrecking and salvage yard on the city's north side.
It was the second vote for the council on the use of a property at 29th Street North and Mead. The council failed to get enough votes for approval in 2011, and the applicant filed an appeal with Sedgwick County District Court. The court then sent the issue back to the city council for reconsideration.
Businesses in the area voiced opposition to the salvage yard, saying it would hurt property values, create traffic problems and create blight for the area. They were also concerned about future pollution problems.
Council member James Clendenin said courts have ruled that cases cannot be decided on the basis of neighborhood opposition alone. He noted the salvage yard met the criteria for approval. He also called attention to a number of new requirements that were placed on the property, including increased landscaping.
The council voted 6-1 to approve the permit for the salvage yard, with vice mayor Janet Miller voting against it.
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