RAVENNA TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — A new sand mine will be created in Ravenna Township after the planning commission voted on a special land use application.
The commission passed the application in a 3-2 vote at Tuesday night’s public hearing. The meeting brought out dozens of concerned residents who opposed the proposal.
As part of the discussion, the commissioners decided the sand mine can be open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with 15 trucks allowed to pass through, and from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturdays with two trucks allowed to pass through.
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In addition, the sand mine would need to be in accordance with the Muskegon County Road Commission standards and the mine cannot begin operation until roads are fixed, according to commissioners during the meeting. They also added that all trucks that pass through there must meet the weight restrictions from the road commission.
Dozens of residents packed the township hall to voice their concerns and share their opposition to the mine creation.
“I am very worried about the negative health impacts, I am worried about our wells, I am worried about the road, which is a complete disaster, including Blackmer Road which is not a Class A trucking route, but they are going to allow trucking to be on that road if they approve this,” said area resident Katie Hoffman.
Another resident, Mark Ivey, told News 8 he feels the sand mine will pose more negative effects than positive ones.
“We lose everything so that someone who is not part of the community can come in, put a strip mine in, grab a quick profit and leave us with a mess,” he said.
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Residents spoke during public comment on their fears that this sand mine could impact residents’ health, property values, already-damaged roads and their family’s safety, among other things.
Pete Jazdzyk, a resident who lives right by where the mine would be located, told News 8 after the meeting he felt that their questions were not answered and he was upset with the outcome.
“We have been strategically blown off each one of these meetings and told this was going to happen regardless,” he said.
Since the land use application was approved, it will remain in effect for three years. After that, they would need to re-apply for a special land use after three years if they decide to continue further.
