Due, in part, to concerns of nearby residents, a union hall is no longer being considered on Kerth Road.

The county Planning Commission voted 6-1 last week to recommend denial of a request from Laborers’ Local 110 Holding Co. for a conditional use permit, or CUP, to house a union hall and offices on the west side of Interstate 55, roughly 130 feet north of Coyle Court.

Laborers’ Local 110 Holding Co. was given an extension at the commission’s April 2 executive meeting so the labor union could meet with residents in the area, according to Debi Salberg, zoning section head.

“I believe they did meet with the neighbors, but we have received nothing from the petitioner regarding any proposed changes to this proposal,” Salberg told the commission May 7.

Stephen Kling of Jenkins & Kling, who represented the labor union at a March 19 public hearing, did not return calls for comment on the matter. Don Willey, the labor union’s business manager, also did not return calls for comment.

Commission member Steve Lawler said last time the commission met, all the residents who approached the commission were against the union hall.

“I haven’t seen one person come up here that wants it to happen other than the people trying to do it,” Lawler said.

Residents who spoke at the March 19 public hearing had concerns regarding “traffic, lighting, noise and whether there was enough parking for the large union membership and the proposed building rentals,” according to an information report from the county planning department. A symbolic vote taken at the hearing showed six people in favor of the union hall and non opposed.

Planning Commission member Keith Taylor, the sole “no” vote, told the Call the main reason for his vote was because the commission held voting, at his request, so the union hall could contact residents.

Taylor also said he believes the location would “be a perfect use for that facility,” which would be no different than a Knights of Columbus Hall or American Legion.

“I understand people’s concerns about property value, but I don’t believe that would be a hindrance,” Taylor said.

Department of Planning staff recommended approval both April 2 and last week, stating the offices are a “low intensity, reasonable reuse” of the facility, which currently houses a church building. Reasons for recommendation, according to an information report, also included:

• Conditions of development related to lighting and operating hours will limit the impact on the surrounding residential development.

• Any change to the use or building expansion will require a new public hearing.