Of course you can do whatever you want with your property -- WITHIN LIMITS. Once you infringe on the rights of others it is another matter. There are laws, regulations, permits for a reason. We limit mining such as gravel pits because they are harmful. Necessary? Yes, in the right location. This bill was ramrodded through the house and senate and signed by the governor at unprecedanted speed by the aggregrate industry before the public was aware of the ramifications or the press or anyone else could explore. Introduced in the house June 14, received in the Senate June 22, and signed by the Governor July 20.
In Ironwood Township, Gogebic County, a contractor is trying to take a 17 acre parcel 100 feet away from an elderly retired woman with emphysema and turn her peaceful country home into a living hell. There would be noise, pollution (Dust), loss of taxes (a gravel pit is taxed as vacant property), loss of property value, loss of potential home building (and employment and taxes) and the safety of our children catching the school bus et cetera will be in peril. We are not talking about a parcel in the country away from homes and residences. One home is 100 feet, another 168 feet, and two new homes directly below this location.
If a person buys a house with a gravel pit next to it, that's one thing; if a gravel pit goes in with a regular setback, that's another -- but here is an established neighborhood with an industrial operation trying to go in between two residences.
Mr. Huuki and Mr. Casperson, be sure we will remember your antics when it comes time to vote!!!!