Published: December 30, 2002

COVE — An attempt to build housing near Cove for migrant workers has drawn opposition from neighboring landowners.

George Galloway recently received permission from the Union County Planning Commission to build dormitory-style housing for 24 people on his 72-acre property. County Planner Hanley Jenkins, however, said he expects the decision to be appealed to the Union County commissioners.

Galloway wants to build three structures, one with showers. The buildings would be occupied only during the cherry-picking season, he told the planning commission.

The Cove resident, who now has 15 acres planted in cherry trees, plans to add another 17 acres to his orchard. According to planning commission documents, he hopes to produce about 300,000 pounds of cherries, more than three times the 75,000 pounds he harvested in 2001.

Jenkins said most opposition to the housing involves Ruth Lane, a private road that intersects with Mill Creek Lane. The planning commission is requiring that Galloway maintain Ruth Lane through his property, but the commission did not set a standard for maintenance.

Traffic of concern

Neighbors are concerned about the level of traffic and the possibility of heavy trucks driving along the lane.

An underground irrigation pipe runs through Galloway's property, Jenkins said, and some neighbors want to make sure the buildings are not constructed near the pipe. The planning commission is requiring that the buildings be located at least 5 feet from the irrigation pipe on the north side and 15 feet back on the south side.

Jenkins said a few orchard owners in Union County provide housing for migrant workers on their property. Housing for farm workers is allowed in agriculture zones, but Galloway's property is located in a rural residential zone.