The Portland Leader
By Bonnie Fussell, Contributing Writer
The Sumner County Board of Zoning and Appeals voted unanimously to deny the request made by Hoover, Inc. to build a rock quarry and additional supportive plants in the historical Castalian Springs area. A large crowd of concerned citizens from all areas of the county attended the Thursday night (July 14) meeting at the Sumner County Administration Building.
Recently, Rutherford County's Hoover, Inc. purchased over 350 acres of land and several additional parcels in Castalian Springs for this purpose.
The area is home to several historical sites including Wynnewood, a stagecoach inn, Bledsoe's Fort Historical Park, Castalian Springs Mound site, and the home of General William Bate, a former governor of Tennessee. The state has recently spent several million dollars for repairs to Wynnewood which was damaged by the 2008 tornado; and the state has recently purchased the General Bate's home and Hawthorne farm.
Portland attorney David Amonette was the leader of the team that worked on the presentation on Thursday night. Many supporters have referred to the meeting as a "David vs. Goliath" moment in Sumner County.
Recently, Rutherford County's Hoover, Inc. purchased over 350 acres of land and several additional parcels in Castalian Springs for this purpose.
The area is home to several historical sites including Wynnewood, a stagecoach inn, Bledsoe's Fort Historical Park, Castalian Springs Mound site, and the home of General William Bate, a former governor of Tennessee. The state has recently spent several million dollars for repairs to Wynnewood which was damaged by the 2008 tornado; and the state has recently purchased the General Bate's home and Hawthorne farm.
Portland attorney David Amonette was the leader of the team that worked on the presentation on Thursday night. Many supporters have referred to the meeting as a "David vs. Goliath" moment in Sumner County.
Amonette stated that it was a team effort and they had a strong team. Members of the team included MTSU archeological professor Dr. Kevin Smith who spoke on what would be lost from an archeological point of view and UT transportation specialist Dr. Jeff Burton who stated that there would be no economic impact for Sumner County with the projected quarry and plants. Attorney Lewis Oliver represented Hendersonville Church of Christ which has a camp in the area. Attorney Scott Haynes represented his parents, Joe and Barbara Haynes, and Kevin Williams made a power point presentation on the visual impact of the project.
"I'm really pleased, but these are usually long and tedious processes and sometimes go on for a long time," added Amonette. "All you can do is go to the next step and try to work hard to convince the court that we are right, and we believe we are; but there are some important legal issues here."
"The Save Castalian Springs group is thankful for the overflow crowd at last Thursday's meeting before the Zoning Board of appeals," said spokesperson for Save Castalian Springs Tom Henry Neal. "We appreciate the backing of 100 percent of our county elected officials and State Representative Mike McDonald. The Zoning Board of Appeals ruled 5-0 in our behalf and made the correct decision based on the evidence presented.
"The Save Castalian Spring group was represented by very capable attorneys, and extend their special thanks to Portland's own David Amonette who was the first retained, and the lead attorney for the group."
During the meeting, presentations were made by both State Historian Walter Durham and Bill Puryear who spoke for the Bledsoe Lick Historical Association. Martha Akins presented a power point presentation on behalf of the State of Tennessee. Several other private citizens had an opportunity to present their reasons for opposition as did expert professionals.
Sumner County Executive Anthony Holt fully supports the zoning board's decision and believes they made the right choice.
"I believe the Board of Zoning Appeals made the right decision, not just for Castalian Springs, but for Sumner County as a whole," said Holt on Monday morning. "It was fair and equitable and I support their decision."
County Commissioners were relieved the zoning request failed to pass.
"I'm glad it did not pass," said District 3 Commissioner Steve Graves. "I opposed it 100 percent. This is not the right place for it....The Castalian Springs Bethpage Utility District is looking in that area to explore a water source. The utility district currently buys its water from Gallatin. There are some good springs in the area that blasting could hurt."
Graves added the economy of the county could benefit from the historical significance of the area.
Hoover, Inc is expected to appeal the decision.
"I'm really pleased, but these are usually long and tedious processes and sometimes go on for a long time," added Amonette. "All you can do is go to the next step and try to work hard to convince the court that we are right, and we believe we are; but there are some important legal issues here."
"The Save Castalian Springs group is thankful for the overflow crowd at last Thursday's meeting before the Zoning Board of appeals," said spokesperson for Save Castalian Springs Tom Henry Neal. "We appreciate the backing of 100 percent of our county elected officials and State Representative Mike McDonald. The Zoning Board of Appeals ruled 5-0 in our behalf and made the correct decision based on the evidence presented.
"The Save Castalian Spring group was represented by very capable attorneys, and extend their special thanks to Portland's own David Amonette who was the first retained, and the lead attorney for the group."
During the meeting, presentations were made by both State Historian Walter Durham and Bill Puryear who spoke for the Bledsoe Lick Historical Association. Martha Akins presented a power point presentation on behalf of the State of Tennessee. Several other private citizens had an opportunity to present their reasons for opposition as did expert professionals.
Sumner County Executive Anthony Holt fully supports the zoning board's decision and believes they made the right choice.
"I believe the Board of Zoning Appeals made the right decision, not just for Castalian Springs, but for Sumner County as a whole," said Holt on Monday morning. "It was fair and equitable and I support their decision."
County Commissioners were relieved the zoning request failed to pass.
"I'm glad it did not pass," said District 3 Commissioner Steve Graves. "I opposed it 100 percent. This is not the right place for it....The Castalian Springs Bethpage Utility District is looking in that area to explore a water source. The utility district currently buys its water from Gallatin. There are some good springs in the area that blasting could hurt."
Graves added the economy of the county could benefit from the historical significance of the area.
Hoover, Inc is expected to appeal the decision.
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