Frustrations continue with proposed rock quarry

At question is what to do with about 200 acres of land where Hayman Holdings, owners of the land, had requested a rezoning from agricultural conservation to natural resource, paving the way for the land to be turned into a limestone quarry.

As a decision is pending on a proposed rezone for a rock quarry in Warren Township, frustrations of neighbors are seeing frustrations ramp up. 

Resident Tracy Reed told The Putnam County Post and GIANT fm a recent decision by the Putnam County Commissioners to table a decision until November was not the outcome she and others hoped for. 

"We will press on with resilience. The fate of the proposed stone quarry, which will shape the lives of many local families, now hangs in the balance for another 60 days," Reed said after the decision. "It was a sobering moment for all of us that could make it to the meeting. We do realize the commissioners are trying to be fair and doing their job. So many families are impacted by this decision and many of us have put many things on hold until we know what the outcome will be."

At question is what to do with about 200 acres of land where Hayman Holdings, owners of the land, had requested a rezoning from agricultural conservation to natural resource, paving the way for the land to be turned into a limestone quarry. Hayman is the owner of the land, and the propose quarry would be run by Greg Goud and Dean Boyd, former owners of 243 Quarry and Deer Creek Crushed Limestone. The proposed quarry would be in the area of County Road 700 South and 75 East and would be one of six quarries within a three mile radius of the land. 

The Putnam County Commissioners held off on a decision earlier this month, opting to make a decision at a meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 20 at 6 p.m. 

The Area Plan Commission previously voted 7-3 to send it to the Commissioners with no recommendation as to whether it was favorable or denied. 

Reed, who has sought signatures in opposition, said the land in question features many issues.

"We believe the rush to rezone this land is largely driven by economic interests. Developers see the potential for new projects and commercial ventures," said Reed,who added plans by POET Ethanol Plant to participate in carbon sequestration is also driving the rezone request. 

"Once that CO2 is pumped underground, the fate of this land changes dramatically. This carbon storage project isn't just a noble environmental effort, it will have legal implications that control what can and cannot be done with that land in the future. After the CO2 is stored, zoning regulations around the area will shift based on environmental safety guidelines," Reed sais. 

Reed said the land could also feature the remains of Miami Indians, as well as a cave system. On top of that, Reed doubts the roads can handle an increase in truck traffic. 

"First, our county road is not built to handle the trucks and equipments that will be used to transport the crushed rock. The road after POET and the current quarry narrows down to around 18 feet and two normal vehicles can barely pass safely. Plus, when I-70 is shut down and traffic is diverted down this road, you would not believe the speed that people travel. If a semi were to crash, that would be unimaginable destruction," Reed said. 

Reed told GIANT fm it is still her wish that the Commissioners listen to the wishes of the residents. 

"I am not sure if I can express how frustrating it is for all the families being impacted by the stone quarry to have put their lives on hold. I can say we have faith in Ed Felling, our attorney, and that is one thing that is helping us all -- hanging onto hope that the right decision and outcome will be reached in the end," Reed said.