Friday, July 16, 1999
Limestone mine zoning rejected
Martin Marietta proposal still to be heard by planners, fiscal court
BY KRISTINA GOETZ
The Cincinnati Enquirer
BURLINGTON — With applause from a crowd of opponents, Boone County's zoning change committee voted to deny all three requests from Martin Marietta Materials Inc., who wants to establish an underground limestone mining operation.
Despite the absence of two committee members and an alternate, members voted 3-0 to deny the zoning change requests, saying the proposals did not fit with the county's comprehensive plan, a document that guides land use over 20 years.
“The zoning that's already there is more appropriate than what they are asking,” said committee Chairman Larry Brown.
The issue will yet go to the full planning commission and the county fiscal court before final action is taken.
The company had agreed to a long list of conditions including limiting the hours of operation, running a street cleaner, providing a means for disciplining drivers who do not cover their trucks with tarps, using a foam product for dust abatement and participating in an arbitration/mediation group that would address residents' concerns.
“When they start setting conditions, you start to wonder,” said Aimee Boese, one resident who was in opposition. “You always get nervous that they've found some way to make it palatable to the public. I am pleased that they respected the integrity of the comprehensive plan.”
But James Dressman, an attorney for Martin Marietta, said he thought the company discussed at length any perceived problems with all of the proposals.
“I think we're disappoint ed,” he said. “We spent a lot of time educating this committee and the public about this project. Every perceived negative impact was discussed at length.
“The company agreed to an unprecedented number of conditions. ... I'm not sure anyone could bring an underground limestone project to this committee and get approval.”
The company and opposing residents say they realize this decision might not be the end of the issue.
“It's a very long road ahead,” said Jennifer Warner, another opponent. “We really appreciate the planning commission listening to us and hearing the issues.”
The issue will go before the full planning commission at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 4 and then to the fiscal court for a final vote.
Mr. Dressman said Martin Marietta is willing to fight the decision. “They don't have a three-knockdown rule that I know of,” he said.
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