Last month, the Richmond County Board of Supervisors approved a special exception permit allowing #1 Towing & Repair to operate from the former Sanders Tire building in Warsaw, a move some hope will return the long vacant property to productive use.

Applicant Michael Jernigan cited plans to offer basic vehicle maintenance, state inspections, tire sales and installation, as well as mobile roadside repair services. He expected the business to operate from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and initially employ one full-time worker with the possibility of adding two part-time employees as business grows.

County Administrator Hope Mothershead explained that the property at 1610 and 1632 Wellfords Wharf Road includes both a tire shop and a residence and is currently zoned agricultural. The parcel is owned by Aubrey Sanders, but Jernigan is under contract to purchase both structures.

The site was the longtime home of Sanders Tire. Because Sanders Tire ceased operations several years ago and the building has since been used only for storage, the former nonconforming use had been considered abandoned under county regulations. However, the special exception permit allows Jernigan to reestablish a similar commercial use.

“The staff does recommend the granting of that special exception request. It certainly allows for continuance of the business in a structure that’s capable of being an asset to the area,” said Mothershead. She also noted the Planning Commission voted unanimously in favor of approval.

Supervisor J.R. Fidler, who was unable to attend the meeting, submitted comments supporting the application. In his letter, he said he looked forward to seeing the property become a thriving business again and noted that he has known Jernigan and his family for years through the Wellford Wharf community.

“I know they are hardworking people and have no doubt this venture will be a successful one.”

Fidler also pointed to the Sanders family’s longstanding connection to the property.

“I also know the Sanders family has sentimental feelings and attachments to this family owned Sanders Tire property. If they feel this is a good idea, especially since Mr. Aubrey Sanders will continue to reside adjacent to this property, then as a county, I feel like we should support that.”

Mothershead said the primary concern raised by the public was tire collection on the property, something she noted the county frowns upon.

“Mr. Jernigan and I have talked about that and that’s certainly not what he intends to do. This property is in and around a residential area, and so he certainly will be mindful of keeping it the way it looks,” she said.

However, board members urged him to retain used tires and not encourage customers to take them.

When Supervisor Robert Pemberton asked whether customers would be allowed to keep their old tires, Jernigan said customers would have the option of taking used tires with them or paying the shop to dispose of them. Tires left with the business would be transported to Richmond, where his parents operate a company equipped with a tire cutting machine. He said he would make trips regularly to prevent the tires from stacking up.

Board Chairman Lee Sanders said the county is already dealing with a problem whereby another tire shop is telling customers there’s a fee for disposal if they leave the tires but no fee if they take them. As a result, “we’re getting those tires that should be going to somebody else’s recycling and all the taxpayers are paying for that,” Sanders said.

Pemberton encouraged Jernigan to make tire disposal part of the business model rather than leaving customers to handle it themselves.

“I think we’re encouraging you take the tires because it’s gotten real expensive [for the county],” said Pemberton.