By Billy Davis

A planned gravel pit in the Plum Point community gobbled up only 30 seconds at the May 9 meeting of the Panola County Land Commission.

That’s because applicant Conner Vick had withdrawn his gravel pit application, land commissioners were told.

Vick is seeking the special exception permit for acreage he owns on Plum Point Road, located in southeast Panola County near Enid Lake.

Vick’s application has already followed an up-and-down pattern since word of his plans spread in early spring, creating a well-organized opposition in the community. After his public hearing sign failed to meet requirements for publicizing the hearing, a newer sign was erected, setting up the May public hearing.

Then Vick became a no-show.

“My understanding is that Mr. Vick withdrew,” Danny Walker, the commission’s chairman, said to start the meeting.

“That is correct,” replied permit clerk Diane Stewart.  

Vick, if he intends to seek a permit, would reapply again, Walker pointed out.

And that was that. A crowd of Plum Point residents, assembled for the public hearing, remained in their seats while the commission moved onto to a second special exception application.

Stewart, reached after the meeting, clarified that Vick had asked to be dropped from the meeting’s agenda but had not withdrawn his application.

Commissioners moved on to a much lighter topic  when Diana Dubois asked for a one-chair hair salon at her residence in the Pope community.

Dubois told commissioners she works full time but wants to open the small salon part time for friends.

“I don’t plan to have a huge sign. I don’t want walk-ins,” she said.

The salon is being designed and constructed under the guidelines of the State Board of Cosmetology, which will inspect its layout, she said.

Commissioners unanimously approved the special exception permit for the salon and also granted an exemption for the applicant’s driveway.

Zoning rules for commercial property require a paved driveway and parking area or, as a substitute, crushed limestone rock that is also costly.

Commission Danny Jones suggested the exemption, citing the lack of full-time business at the home.