MAGGIE VALLEY — Robots and Maggie don't mix — at least not in the eyes of Marion Hamel. Hers was the lone vote against allowing a robotics manufacturer to set up shop on the little town's main drag during Wednesday night's zoning board of adjustment meeting.

After several impassioned speeches from attendees on both sides of the issue, the board voted three to one in favor of allowing Automation Design Tech to move into the old Carolina Nights building on Soco Road. The motion failed to carry, however, because in this circumstance, a fourth-fifths majority was required. With brand-new board member Ted Jendry absent, that meant the decision would have to be unanimous — something that looked less and less likely as the night went on.

Though board members Caroline Edwards, Candice Way and ...