BY DAN HILDEBRAN
Union County Commissioners put off a decision to allow a Lake Butler funeral home to build a crematory near Worthington Springs.
Three months ago, commissioners, acting as their own planning and zoning board, approved rezoning the nine-acre parcel that would make possible the construction of the crematorium. However, Archer-Milton Funeral Home owner Garrett Milton still needed the special exception to clear the way for the facility.
During a July 21 meeting of commissioners, acting as their own board of adjustments, Milton charmed and challenged a group of neighbors opposed to his plan.
His presentation to commissioners closely followed his successful case for the rezoning, in which he cited studies refuting claims that crematories emitted harmful fumes. He also highlighted crematories in Starke and in Gainesville, which he said were in more densely populated areas than the Worthington Springs location.
Residents of the area, as they did during the rezoning, disputed Milton’s claims that crematories do not disburse harmful emissions.
Commissioner Mac Johns restated his opposition to the facility and reminded his colleagues that they outvoted him 4-1 in approving the rezoning.
His motion to deny the special exception died for lack of a second, eliciting complaints from the gallery.
After voting for the rezoning earlier, Commissioner Donna Jackson appeared opposed to the special exception, saying that she could not agree to the statement in the special exception ordinance that declared that the special exception “is generally compatible with adjacent properties, other property in the district, and natural resources.”
Commissioner Melissa McNeal informed her colleagues that she wanted more time to consider her vote. Other commissioners, citing the fact that the special exception was in McNeal’s district, went along with her request and tabled the matter until August.
