A self-storage development proposed for Rankin, Miss., was shot down this week after more than 700 residents petitioned against it. The project was presented by Joe and Rita Parker, who own 5 acres of undeveloped land off Spillway Road near the Ross Barnett Reservoir, a 33,000-acre lake.

Residents and officials discussed the project for more than three hours at a May 4 Rankin County Board of Supervisors meeting. Supporters suggested the facility would bring in new revenue to the county and provide a place near the water to store boats. Opponents expressed concerns that the operation would negatively affect their property values and deter other businesses from moving to the area, the source reported.

The land, which is currently zoned for commercial use, required the supervisors’ approval to permit self-storage. Members Jay Bishop, Rodney Keith and Greg Wilcox, whose district encompasses the land, voted against the project, while Walter Johnson and Jared Morrison voted to approve it.

The Parkers were disappointed by the city’s decision, particularly after working to appease the project’s opponents, the source reported. "We bent over backwards to do something great, and I don't know anything else we can do," Ron Parker said.

The couple is considering other uses for the tract and has been approached by developers. The current zoning allows for pet shops, shopping centers and veterinary clinics, along with conditional-uses such as condominiums, convenience stores, plant nurseries and vehicle sales.

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