Gravel Pit Developer Working on Revised Proposal
By: Jacob Long, WMBD/WYZZ-TV
Updated: May 15, 2012
BLOOMINGTON - One of the most controversial issues in McLean County is resurfacing.
The county struck down a proposal for a gravel pit in southwest Bloomington two years ago.
That decision followed an outpouring of backlash from people who opposed the idea. The pit would have been about 2,500 ft. away from Fox Creek Elementary School.
People worried kids' health and safety would be in danger. There was also concern about what the pit would do to property values.
A lawsuit is pending over the county's decision to deny the plan. But now the same developer is working on a new proposal for a gravel pit in the same general area.
Attorney Brian Hug told WMBD 31 on Tuesday the latest proposal comes with big differences. He said overall, the project is being scaled down by half.
He said the gravel would be extracted for a lake in one spot. But he said it would be processed in another.
That second location, Hug said, is about a mile west of Fox Creek Elementary.
He would not comment on the motivation behind that decision, but he said he imagines it'll make it easier for people to accept.
Hug said heavy machinery would be kept farther from the school as well. However, he cautioned "a little" gravel would still be needed in the area that's closer to the school.
WMBD 31 also spoke with Rex Diamond on Tuesday. He's the President of the Southwest Bloomington Resident's Association.
He said the gravel pit proposal is being received very well because of the revisions.
"It accomplishes several things. First of all, the noise, the dust, any of the fine particulants that can cause cancer down the road, all the health issues. By moving it further away, it removes that," he said.
The lake would still be used for a new subdivision. The developer is meeting with residents in the area, and discussions with the city and the county are ongoing.
Nothing has been filed with the county for the latest project.
The county struck down a proposal for a gravel pit in southwest Bloomington two years ago.
That decision followed an outpouring of backlash from people who opposed the idea. The pit would have been about 2,500 ft. away from Fox Creek Elementary School.
People worried kids' health and safety would be in danger. There was also concern about what the pit would do to property values.
A lawsuit is pending over the county's decision to deny the plan. But now the same developer is working on a new proposal for a gravel pit in the same general area.
Attorney Brian Hug told WMBD 31 on Tuesday the latest proposal comes with big differences. He said overall, the project is being scaled down by half.
He said the gravel would be extracted for a lake in one spot. But he said it would be processed in another.
That second location, Hug said, is about a mile west of Fox Creek Elementary.
He would not comment on the motivation behind that decision, but he said he imagines it'll make it easier for people to accept.
Hug said heavy machinery would be kept farther from the school as well. However, he cautioned "a little" gravel would still be needed in the area that's closer to the school.
WMBD 31 also spoke with Rex Diamond on Tuesday. He's the President of the Southwest Bloomington Resident's Association.
He said the gravel pit proposal is being received very well because of the revisions.
"It accomplishes several things. First of all, the noise, the dust, any of the fine particulants that can cause cancer down the road, all the health issues. By moving it further away, it removes that," he said.
The lake would still be used for a new subdivision. The developer is meeting with residents in the area, and discussions with the city and the county are ongoing.
Nothing has been filed with the county for the latest project.
