Opponents look to crush rock quarry plans in Sumner County

Click here for video.   A second video includes a short segment shown on 5pm news prior to the meeting.

WKRN News Channel 2
July 14, 2011

 SUMNER COUNTY, Tenn. – Residents, neighbors, and historical associations in Sumner County are fighting to keep a rock quarry from breaking ground on a section of Hwy 25 in Castalian Springs.

Voting at a Thursday meeting could start the process of getting the quarry up and running.  Nearby residents are fuming, and plan to do everything in their power to stop it.

According to John Simmons, a resident in the community, "My home value is going to go down to practically nothing.  Can they say something to placate me on that?  No."

In May, Hoover Incorporated purchased more than three hundred acres in the community east of Gallatin for the quarry; that land, is close to multiple historic attractions.

The Wynnewood Mansion, Cragfont Estates, and the Ancient Native American Burial Grounds are all located near the site, which caused historical associations to get involved in the battle.

Historical associations, paired with disapproving residents, started an online campaign against the quarry.  They are also collecting signatures to help in the fight.

"This is right in the middle of a residential community.  It's just a completely wrong," says resident Allyson Simmons.

Hoover Incorporated's vice president said the company could bring about 130 jobs to the area, as well as up to $500,000 a year in state and local taxes.

"We hope that at some point concern will be given to the jobs and economic impact to the county," said an attorney representing the company.

The Board of Zoning Appeals is scheduled to make a key vote on Thursday pertaining to the quarry.

If approved, the process would still not be over.  The company would be required to meet state and federal environmental standards as well.

Once the excavation process begins, Hoover Incorporated would also need additional rezoning.

Opponents voiced their disapproval at a town hall meeting a month ago.  They argued that the perks the company proposes the community will gain, do not outweigh the damage the area will suffer.

The opposition fears noise, dust, traffic, and damage to homes will be a big factor if the quarry is approved.

The vote will take place at the meeting for the Board of Zoning Appeals, scheduled to start at 6 p.m. at the Sumner County Administration Building.