Wednesday, June 23, 1999
Neighbors leery of pit-to-park plan
Gravel site effect, safety questioned
BY MICHAEL D. CLARK
The Cincinnati Enquirer
ROSS TOWNSHIP — In five years a new gravel pit in southern Butler County may be filled in and donated to the public as a natural wetland park.
But it's the more immediate future of the site that angers nearby residents, who think even a temporary grav el pit will ruin the value of their homes, increase heavy truck traffic and endanger area children.
“I think it'll be a health hazard and it's going to depreciate our property,” said longtime New London Road resident Rosemary Britton, whose home is a quarter mile from the gravel pit site next to U.S. 27 in Ross Township.
Neighbor Janice Joyce said she worries about children in the area and the anticipated increase in heavy truck traffic.
“There's a lot of concern,” said Ms. Joyce.
Zoning allowing the gravel pit, approved by Butler County zoning officials last week, was protested by a few residents, but as word has spread, more are gathering to discuss taking legal action.
About 40 residents met earlier this week, and another meeting is planned for next week to discuss further strategy, said residents.
The gravel pit will be operated by Ross Township contractor Jerry Broshear through a company he set up called Green Heron Limited. The gravel-extraction operation will take place on 18.5 acres of a 52-acre section of farmland, with a truck en trance to the pit planned for the 2100 block of New London Road.
The gravel operation is unique in the county in that Mr. Broshear has given preliminary agreement to a deal with the county to reclaim the pit after five years of operation and convert it into a natural habitat park and wetland.
The site will be relatively shallow — about 15 feet. When mining is completed in five years, it would be donated to the Butler County parks department and open to the public and schools for tours.
“It's the first time this has happened to us,” said Mike Mouska, director for Butler County's Metro Parks. “It sounds promising, and it's a very responsible way to reclaim property.
“It could be the start of a trend for future projects of this kind,” said Mr. Mouska.
Mr. Broshear, owner of the gravel pit, which is scheduled to open by the fall, said he has taken steps to lessen the environmental impact and safety concerns during the five years he mines gravel from the site.
“I understand (neighbors') concerns, and I think we can address their concerns,” said Mr. Broshear.
He said the site will not include any gravel crushing machines, which produce rock dust that could drift on to surrounding homes in the largely rural area.
He added that he is also looking into altering the truck entrance so that the vehicles would enter and exit via U.S. 27 instead of the more heavily populated New London Road.
“It's a very pretty area. When we're done, we want to create a facility to benefit the public,” he said.
Maternity costs, care vary widely
UC students feel pinch as tuition rises 5%
Lie lands wrong sister in hot water
Voinovich wants more Serbia aid
City considering Web site to show off neighborhoods
Donations, notoriety grow after robbery of 9-year-old
Bishop joins drive against casinos
Patton touts higher tax and casinos
Roof fund may be used for fountain restoration
Sculpture leaving Sixth and Vine
Seniors win city leaders' visit to housing
Wastewater site raises stink
GET TO IT
Help for a calm delivery
Study shows positive impact
Smog can induce asthma problems
'Titanic' will launch trendy Broadway Series
Gilligan talks to Descartes, and it's all in the name of art
Allen House to be senior center
Anderson issues cleanup order
Boone Co. passes budget $10 million higher than this year
Church roof caves; nobody injured
Clermont welfare plan a model
Coke contract to bring annual $400,000 to Ross Local Schools yearly
Convict can't be reindicted after assault victim dies
Despite drought, farmers aren't panicking just yet
Drugs can intensify effects of too much sun
Glen Rogers convicted in Calif. killing
Jacor target of sexual harassment lawsuit
Kenton to seek delay in car tests
Kids can get taste of gardening
Lebanon aims to reel in 180 more jobs
Lebanon hosts tour of gardens
Mason high school called a priority
N. College Hill seeks game plan for progress
Neighbors leery of pit-to-park plan
Report dims chance of remodeled jail
Restoration nears for Emery Theatre
Suicide in vehicle 2nd in Butler this month
Teen indicted in rape attempt, 50¢ robbery
TRISTATE DIGEST
Warren Co. tax enough to pay cash for new building
