Benton County Planners approve limestone quarry one year later
Updated: 11:48 PM CST Dec 18, 2019
THAT MEETING... JAMIE WHAT HAS HAPPENED SO FAR? THE PLANNING COMMISSION IS STILL MEETING IN THE COURTROOM BEHIND US, AND WE DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH LONGER UNTIL THEY'RE EXPECTED TO SPEND TALKING ABOUT THIS PROPOSED QUARRY. THE COURTROOM WAS FILLED TO CAPACITY TONIGHT, INCLUDING PEOPLE CARRYING SIGNS AND WEARING SHIRTS IN OPPOSITION OF THE CROSS HOLLOWS QUARRY. 18 PEOPLE, INCLUDING STATE REPRESENTATIVE JANA DELL ROSA SPOKE IN OPPOSITION OF THE QUARRY, WHILE THE TEAM PROPOSING THE PROJECT BROUGHT IN EXPERTS TO SPEAK TO ADDRESS ANY ISSUES THAT HAVE BEEN BROUGHT UP. <> "I believe that we have reports in front of you to answer all of the previous questions and concerns, the items you've asked us to answer." <> "The sheer number of people that have contacted me about this particular issues, it outweighs anything that's ever happened in Benton count In the 5 year that I've been a state representative." THIS PROPOSAL WAS TABLED LAST DECEMBER, AND MANY IN THE AUDIENCE TONIGHT SAY THEY WANT THE PLANNING COMMISSION TO VOTE TONIGHT SO THEY DON'T WAIT ON THIS ISSUE ANOTHER YEAR. LIVE IN BENTONVILLE JW 4029 NE
UPDATE AS OF 10:45 PM WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18:After nearly five hours of discussion, the Benton County Planning Board voted 4-2 to approve the proposed limestone quarry for Cross Hollows mine off of N Old Wire Road. The approval comes with conditions, which would require the David Covington Trust and Anchor Stone company to go before the Road Department to appeal paving a portion of Cross Hollows Road near Dogwood.During the meeting, 18 people spoke during public comment all against the quarry. Tim Sorey with Sand Creek Engineering represented the Covington quarry and brought in experts on topics such as typography, industrial seismology, noise, aqueducts and traffic to answer questions for the planning commission. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Tonight the Benton County Planning Board will discuss the proposed limestone quarry for Cross Hollows mine off of N Old Wire Road. The property is currently being mined for red dirt since 2008. The zoning application was tabled in December 2018, after members of the planning board requested more clarification on various items. People who live near the area have voiced their concerns about the quarry devaluing their property, causing significant traffic problems, air quality issues and affecting their livelihood. The Cherokee Nation and Trail of Tears Association also expressed concerns about the proposed quarry being 900 feet from the trail. In August, County Judge Barry Moehring told residents that county wouldn't pave a portion of North Old Wire Rd. Additionally, the county installed sign markers for the Trail of Tears Historic Route. With the new application, property owners have requested to bypass the usage of Old Wire Road. They've proposed a new private road which would give access from the mine to the Dogwood Drive/Cross Hollows Road intersection and onto First Street. According to documents, dozens of residents have sent letters against the quarry to Judge Barry Moehring and Benton County planners.
UPDATE AS OF 10:45 PM WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18:
After nearly five hours of discussion, the Benton County Planning Board voted 4-2 to approve the proposed limestone quarry for Cross Hollows mine off of N Old Wire Road.
The approval comes with conditions, which would require the David Covington Trust and Anchor Stone company to go before the Road Department to appeal paving a portion of Cross Hollows Road near Dogwood.
During the meeting, 18 people spoke during public comment all against the quarry. Tim Sorey with Sand Creek Engineering represented the Covington quarry and brought in experts on topics such as typography, industrial seismology, noise, aqueducts and traffic to answer questions for the planning commission.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tonight the Benton County Planning Board will discuss the proposed limestone quarry for Cross Hollows mine off of N Old Wire Road. The property is currently being mined for red dirt since 2008.
The zoning application was tabled in December 2018, after members of the planning board requested more clarification on various items.
People who live near the area have voiced their concerns about the quarry devaluing their property, causing significant traffic problems, air quality issues and affecting their livelihood.
The Cherokee Nation and Trail of Tears Association also expressed concerns about the proposed quarry being 900 feet from the trail.
In August, County Judge Barry Moehring told residents that county wouldn't pave a portion of North Old Wire Rd. Additionally, the county installed sign markers for the Trail of Tears Historic Route.
With the new application, property owners have requested to bypass the usage of Old Wire Road. They've proposed a new private road which would give access from the mine to the Dogwood Drive/Cross Hollows Road intersection and onto First Street.
According to documents, dozens of residents have sent letters against the quarry to Judge Barry Moehring and Benton County planners.