Martin Marietta Update!
For those of you who have been keeping up with the Martin Marietta Rock Quarry issue (and those who haven’t), the Jacksonville Daily News reported last Friday that Martin Marietta had pulled its application for a special use permit one day after its public information meeting that took place last Tuesday, the 6th. Because the company withdrew their application voluntarily, they are able to resubmit it as many times as they want. The company did not give a statement as to why they pulled out their application. I know many Maple Hill/Haws Run residents who are happy to hear about their withdrawal; however, it is very important to remember that this company will come back. Though they met a very tough crowd last Tuesday evening, they have already invested years of time and lots of money into this quarry proposal.
With that said, I want to thank each and every individual who did show up Tuesday evening at the Jacksonville Conference Center. It was my first public meeting and I wasn't sure what to expect--fingers crossed I wouldn't be one of a handful sitting in a sea empty chairs. I was truly amazed at the community support that was felt throughout the entire room. Each person asked a different question that challenged the multi-million dollar mine company. It was evident and clearly written all over the representative's face that this was going to be a much bumpier road than initially expected. It is events like the coming together of a strong community that motivate and inspire me to be the best Riverkeeper I can be. Though MM will show up again, most likely after the election, I know that we have the strength to challenge them once more with the defense of this passionate network of neighbors. Let us speak with even louder voices next time!
