October 20, 2025. Lafayette County Board of Supervisors listened to six hours of pros and cons and remain undecided about McCurdy's asphalt plant. Illustration by Megan Wolfe.
The owner of a controversial construction company has had a change of heart and announced he is moving a proposed asphalt plant to the county industrial park.
Magnolia Materials owner J.W. McCurdy announced October 28 that he will now construct the asphalt plant at the Lafayette County Industrial Park, located at the intersection of Old Highway 7 and County Road 166. The forty acres owned by Magnolia Materials on Mississippi Highway 328 near Taylor will be freed for other commercial growth.
“I’ve lived in this county my whole life, and I plan on living here the rest of my life,” McCurdy said. “Our site on 328 is an outstanding industrial node, and that’s not changing, but I’m also happy to change for the sake of peace.”
The owners of Falkner Farms, the driving force behind the opposition to building the plant on Highway 328, were rejoiceful.
The Falkners posted on their social media: “We want to express how thankful we are for the overwhelming support our family and farm have shown these past months … We are exceedingly grateful and appreciative for each one of you that has stood with us throughout this process.
“It is our understanding that the rezoning request is being rescinded, and the asphalt plant’s location is set to move to the Industrial Park,” the post continued. “From the beginning, our request has always been for a location where all parties can operate in a way that benefits our community.”
The controversy erupted on September 5, 2025, when a “Notice of Zoning Hearing” sign was placed across the street from the Falkner’s farm on Highway 328 near Taylor, Mississippi. The intent of the rezoning was to change A-1 rural agricultural land on Highway 328 to I-2 Heavy Industrial. The request was made by Magnolia Materials.
A hearing was held September 22 by the Lafayette County Planning Commission, which is composed of planning commissioners Chad Cregar, Ray Garrett, Tyler Gore, Kate Rosson, and James Thompson. Despite the Falkner family’s opposition, the commission voted 3 to 1 to recommend that the Board of Supervisors officially change the zoning at their meeting on October 20.
Immediately following the commission’s recommendation, an online campaign was launched to garner local support against the zoning change. Social media posts became wild, unhinged, and heated as opponents and proponents of the proposed asphalt plant argued their positions. Every local media outlet covered the news, as well as outlets in Memphis, Tupelo, and Jackson.
The Board of Supervisors meeting on October 20 was packed with locals who wanted to voice their support one way or the other. The six-hour meeting devolved into heated exchanges and debates among highly opinionated and passionate individuals. Some voiced concerns about the proposed plant’s potential impact on the environment, including noise, dust, water safety, and the loss of rural character. Others defended property rights, commercial investments, and job creation.
At the end of the incredibly long meeting, the Lafayette County Board of Supervisors decided to delay an official vote on the zoning change until their next meeting, November 3. The Supervisors are Brent Larson, John Morgan, Tim Gordon, Scott Allen, and Greg Bynum.
Following the board’s October 20 delay, social media chaos continued about the issue, which drew the attention of Mississippi’s Agriculture Commissioner, Andy Gipson. Gipson visited Falkner Farm on October 23, and publicly voiced support against the proposed rezoning.
“I spoke with Elizabeth Falkner about the issue and was able to lend support last week ahead of the Board meeting,” said Gipson, who is running for Governor. “Thanks to everyone for speaking out for our family farms when these zoning issues arise.”
“As I remind folks every day, it is possible for Mississippi to have economic growth without sacrificing our crucial family farms!” Gipson exclaimed.
Five days later, McCurdy withdrew his proposed asphalt plant plans and thanked the Board of Supervisors.
“I particularly want to thank Supervisors Scott Allen, Greg Bynum, and John Morgan for their honest and fair input we heard at the Board meeting,” McCurdy continued. “We’re going to make this work, just in a new location.”
Magnolia Materials’ plant will be capable of producing 2,000 tons of asphalt per day. According to their press release, their asphalt plant will use the latest environmental control technologies, “resulting in an emission capture rate of over 99.94%, making it cleaner than commercial bakeries, gas stations, or even traditional farming.”
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