Zone Change Appeal Scheduled

Thu., Feb. 17, 2000

By Isamu Jordan isamuj@spokesman.com

A hearing examiner’s decision denying a zone change in Mead is scheduled for appeal before County Commissioners on Tuesday.

Last April, County Hearing Examiner Mike Dempsey refused a request to rezone about 60 acres on the west edge of Peone Prairie from semirural residential to mining.

Property owner Sandy Sicilia proposed a three-phase mining operation that would remove 1.5 million tons of “Mead sand,” a rare and fine grade of sand used for concrete manufacturing.

Neighbors who live in the area were adamantly opposed to the idea, fearing it would bring in a convoy of trucks that would destroy the quiet country setting.

Dempsey wrote in his decision that he was concerned about traffic safety along the haul route because of narrow roads, blind spots and the lack of shoulders along the road.

Residents who formed the Friends of Mead homeowners association hope commissioners will uphold Dempsey’s decision.

“The Friends of Mead believe the hearing examiner was very thorough in his findings that, we believe, were indisputable,” read a statement issued by the Friends of Mead. “We hope the County Commissioners will see the evidence in the same manner and therefore not overrule the hearing examiner’s decision.”

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