Mobile Audio Network would develop car audio system products if rezoning request is approved.
A Sumter business owner is seeking approval to develop a manufacturing site on two acres of land at 1560 S Guignard Pkwy, but the proposal is facing opposition from nearby residents who live adjacent to the property.
Raymond Smith, owner of Mobile Audio Network, is requesting that Sumter County Council rezone the land from agricultural to heavy industrial so he can expand his operations and bring manufacturing to the site. Smith’s company currently installs high-end car audio systems and produces its own line of products overseas. He says the proposed facility would allow him to shift that manufacturing locally.
“It’s going to require additional machinery, extra materials, manufacturing equipment, and extra labor,” Smith said.
The property is located next to longtime homeowners. During the first reading of the rezoning request earlier this month, county council advised Smith that community support would be important for the proposal to move forward. I asked Smith whether he had reached out to any neighbors since the November 11 meeting, Smith said he had not.
“Unfortunately, when you work 10 to 16 hours a day, it’s very hard to reach out to people, and also you don’t want to go to someone’s house who is not familiar with you,” he said.
This is not Smith’s first attempt to rezone the property. A similar request in 2020 was denied by county council after residents voiced concerns about the impact on the surrounding neighborhood. Despite the past rejection, Smith says he hopes the council will view the proposal from a broader perspective, citing potential economic benefits.
“I would expect county council to look at this in a broader view, not just a handful of neighbors, but look at the community as a whole,” Smith said.
A public hearing on the rezoning request is scheduled for 6 p.m. November 25 during the Sumter County Council meeting. At least one nearby resident told News 19 they plan to attend and share their concerns.
