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Metals recycler wants to set up shop on Little Avenue
A metals recycling company wants to open up shop on Little Avenue. At the Southwest Area Commission’s (SWAC) Feb. 16 meeting, representatives of PSC Metals Inc. discussed developing a recycling operation at the vacant building on Little Avenue where automobile windshields used to be repaired. According to company officials, they would purchase recyclable items, such as aluminum, copper, brass and other non-ferrous materials from residents. The facility, which would feature a drive-through operation, is estimated to attract 50 to 80 customers per day. PSC Metals has not filed an application with the Board of Zoning Appeals for a special use permit yet. Rob Wittenberg, the director of business development, said PSC Metals wanted to hear from the commission and the community before going ahead with the application request. Commissioner Ralph Horn said his biggest concern for the facility was residential traffic. In addition to ingress and egress problems for that location, Horn said the area would soon be experiencing a massive overhaul to their sanitary sewer and water line systems, which would cause further congestion. “Frankly, I think it would be really unfair to the residents if there was additional traffic in the neighborhood,” he said. Commissioner Rita Miller asked about the potential noise the facility could generate. “There will be some trucks now and then leaving the facility (they estimate three truck transports per week), but all of the unloading will be done inside of the building during the day,” said Wittenberg. Resident Don Parsons said he wanted the company to go elsewhere. “We don’t want your business here,” he said. “People have invested a lot of money into their homes and the area and we don’t want to see a scrap metal facility and trucks going up and down the roads.” The commission agreed to table the discussion until they hear more from the community. PCS Metals has 39 locations in seven states. They have two locations in Columbus: one on Parsons Avenue and the other on Joyce Avenue. Commissioners wanted Now, two seats are available for residents who want to get involved in local politics. Details, such as the requirements needed to be a commissioner, can be found at website www.columbusswac.org/.
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