In them ol' cotton fields ... wait a minute, thar ain't no cotton fields!
All the fields around here used to be white with cotton. How come they are planted in soybeans? It's a simple fact, folks. Our good government cut out its subsidy for cotton. As long as McLain Farms was getting a check from good old Uncle Sam all these fields were planted in cotton.
According to Environmental Working Group's (EWG) Web site, McLain Beef & Grain received $399,775 of taxpayer money for growing cotton. The federal government cut this handout program. Look around folks, thar ain't no cotton! The McLains did receive $240,671 for growing soybeans.
The McLains had to find another government program to finance their operation. The 2005 Energy Bill provides that source of taxpayers money. Subtitle A section 301 provides that source. My understanding of that section says a small manufacturer of biodiesel fuel can get $1 per gallon of fuel produced, plus 10 cents per gallon tax credit. So, the McLains, who operate off the taxpayers, are jumping on this new bandwagon.
The McLains' reasoning for putting their biodiesel plant on Snow Creek Road is they could not afford to build it on an industrial site. From 1995-2005 McLain Beef & Grain received $2,242,572 from the federal government (taxpayers). With this much money, you would think they could afford a small industrial site.
Hey, I'll bet if the McLains ask our generous county commissioners, they will give them a tax incentive to build it on such a site.
The dollar figures I quote came from EWG/farms.org and the biodiesel search engine. Check it out for yourself.
Buddy Hemric
Statesville
Friday, August 31, 2007
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Letter to the Editor: Tammy Bridges
It is not of importance how much research into biodiesel plants and production the commissioners conducted before the meeting to decide about the rezoning. It is of no importance, really, the opinion of four men who were elected by us to represent us, the people, regarding taking a chance with our lives.
Their opinions no longer matter to me because I am still waiting for the shock and senselessness of their decision to wear off. It is not dimming.
What matters is that there are children living on that street and in those communities. There are irreplaceable lives. These are men telling me that they are willing to take a small chance with our lives in order to turn a small profit. All those involved may be willing to take a small risk because they are the ones making the profit.
Tell me, how much money is a life worth these days?
Speaking of worth: We also need to realize that the "poor farmers" who are benefiting from this plant are as far from poor as some of us are from Bill Gates rich. They are taking the money the people of the community have invested in their small parcels of land over many years, which could be used to take care of them in their elder years, and putting it into a scheme to make the wealthy farmers richer.
"We don't have the funds" usually means you do something different. You don't steamroll the majority to benefit a few. There is no argument, property values may go down. The only way to achieve highest market value is in conformity of a neighborhood. A chemical plant in the middle of hundreds of homes is not conforming. The values will go down - and dramatically - along with our quality of life. Cherished homes will become prisons.
Pleading, innocent ignorance and submissiveness may seem easy now, in front of a group of men in business suits who seem to have your best interest in mind - and no one else's (still trying to figure that out). It gets harder as the years go by and the audience changes.
At least, that's using the standards many of us in civilized society choose to live by. We not only treasure our own families and interests, we value all of our community. We value life over dollars, every life.
Tammy Bridges
Statesville
Their opinions no longer matter to me because I am still waiting for the shock and senselessness of their decision to wear off. It is not dimming.
What matters is that there are children living on that street and in those communities. There are irreplaceable lives. These are men telling me that they are willing to take a small chance with our lives in order to turn a small profit. All those involved may be willing to take a small risk because they are the ones making the profit.
Tell me, how much money is a life worth these days?
Speaking of worth: We also need to realize that the "poor farmers" who are benefiting from this plant are as far from poor as some of us are from Bill Gates rich. They are taking the money the people of the community have invested in their small parcels of land over many years, which could be used to take care of them in their elder years, and putting it into a scheme to make the wealthy farmers richer.
"We don't have the funds" usually means you do something different. You don't steamroll the majority to benefit a few. There is no argument, property values may go down. The only way to achieve highest market value is in conformity of a neighborhood. A chemical plant in the middle of hundreds of homes is not conforming. The values will go down - and dramatically - along with our quality of life. Cherished homes will become prisons.
Pleading, innocent ignorance and submissiveness may seem easy now, in front of a group of men in business suits who seem to have your best interest in mind - and no one else's (still trying to figure that out). It gets harder as the years go by and the audience changes.
At least, that's using the standards many of us in civilized society choose to live by. We not only treasure our own families and interests, we value all of our community. We value life over dollars, every life.
Tammy Bridges
Statesville
Monday, August 27, 2007
Lenoir plant fire fuels debate
A fire at a Lenoir biodiesel plant over the weekend has added a new layer of anxiety to several Snow Creek Road residents who are increasingly concerned about the alternative fuel production plant slated to be built in their neighborhood.
For the full story, click here.
For the full story, click here.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Town, residents embroiled in fuel fight
Company owner Randy Dellinger said all batches begin and end in the plant laboratory.
Dellinger helped and supported an Iredell County family’s effort to build a biodiesel facility on eight acres on their farm. He spoke on behalf of McLain Farms Inc. at the Iredell County Commission meeting earlier this month.
For the full story, click here.
Dellinger helped and supported an Iredell County family’s effort to build a biodiesel facility on eight acres on their farm. He spoke on behalf of McLain Farms Inc. at the Iredell County Commission meeting earlier this month.
For the full story, click here.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Letter to the Editor: Randy Bridges
Our home is very near the site of the proposed biodiesel refinery on Snow Creek Road. We still cannot believe that our good neighbors would even consider locating this facility here. We would never consider operating such a plant in a rural community, endangering people not only from toxic chemicals, but also from heavy tanker truck traffic.
And Commissioner Robertson, we are not "scared to death of chemicals." We actually know what we are talking about. We understand the importance of chemistry in our daily lives. We DO NOT understand locating a chemical processing plant in a rural community. Also, Commissioner Robertson, the chemical causing part of our concern is METHANOL, not METHANE.
By the way, thanks for telling us how easily and safely biodiesel can be made "in a high school lab." Perhaps the students can find instructions online, as is also the case with bomb-making. "Very easy stuff," according to Commissioner Robertson.
We do not believe for one second tht McLain Farms does not have the money to locate this plant in an industrial park. How could our county commissioners pretend to believe this?
Did they even question this statement by Phil McLain? Why not?
Why did only one commissioner, Sarah Haire-Tice, stand up and support the R-20 zoning which was already in place? We have many more valid concerns.
As concerned citizens, please join in the fight to reverse this irresponsible decision by OUR county commissioners. To endanger lives for financial gain is just plain WRONG! Please defend our rural quality of life! Please contact us at North Iredell Neighbors for Rural Life, 991 Snow Creek Road, Statesville, NC 28625.
Randy Bridges
Statesville
And Commissioner Robertson, we are not "scared to death of chemicals." We actually know what we are talking about. We understand the importance of chemistry in our daily lives. We DO NOT understand locating a chemical processing plant in a rural community. Also, Commissioner Robertson, the chemical causing part of our concern is METHANOL, not METHANE.
By the way, thanks for telling us how easily and safely biodiesel can be made "in a high school lab." Perhaps the students can find instructions online, as is also the case with bomb-making. "Very easy stuff," according to Commissioner Robertson.
We do not believe for one second tht McLain Farms does not have the money to locate this plant in an industrial park. How could our county commissioners pretend to believe this?
Did they even question this statement by Phil McLain? Why not?
Why did only one commissioner, Sarah Haire-Tice, stand up and support the R-20 zoning which was already in place? We have many more valid concerns.
As concerned citizens, please join in the fight to reverse this irresponsible decision by OUR county commissioners. To endanger lives for financial gain is just plain WRONG! Please defend our rural quality of life! Please contact us at North Iredell Neighbors for Rural Life, 991 Snow Creek Road, Statesville, NC 28625.
Randy Bridges
Statesville
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Biodiesel facility clears another hurdle
Iredell County commissioners, for a second time, have voted 4 to 1 to allow a proposed biodiesel production facility to be built on Snow Creek Road in North Iredell.
“It was to make it legal,” Commissioner Ken Robertson said Wednesday, a day after the latest vote.
For the full story, click here.
“It was to make it legal,” Commissioner Ken Robertson said Wednesday, a day after the latest vote.
For the full story, click here.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Conflict revs up
Frustrated by the Iredell County Commission’s decision to rezone a parcel of farmland to accommodate a biodiesel plant, a group of neighbors is raising money for a possible court fight.
The 10 neighbors of McLain Farms, where the biodiesel plant will be built, have formed North Iredell Neighbors for Rural Life.
For the full story, click here
The 10 neighbors of McLain Farms, where the biodiesel plant will be built, have formed North Iredell Neighbors for Rural Life.
For the full story, click here
Letter to the Editor: Jim Mairs
How does Iredell pastureland suddenly become a trailer park for the "economically naive home buyer?" How did the Brawley School traffic jam occur? The actions of our county commission aptly demonstrated these problems at their last session, Tuesday night. After 3 hours they voted to allow an oil refinery to be built in the farmland of Northern Iredell. In their fourth hour they intrenched the stranglehold that the Troutman Utilities department has on the farmland of southern Iredell.
Over the last decade, Troutman has seized control of southern Iredell county by utilizing the county easements and right of ways to negate any resistance a property owner could hope to exert. First a sewage-line or water-line is run down a highway or creek. Now Troutman controls the development of the area with control of the water/sewer hookups. This usurpted control of the exit 42 exchange five years ago, despite an existing "Iredell County Land Use Plan" (paid for by county taxpayers). To commerate this victory, Troutman is now building the Troutman Memorial Watertower on Interstate 77 just north of exit 42, for all of to see.
One can only hope this memorial touches a nerve with our Board Chairman every time he is in a Brawley School Road traffic jam on Highway 21 between Mooresville and I-77. A jam caused by the 200 plus "economically naive home owners" in the quarter million dollar 1/3 acre lots he allowed in the so called Shiloh Farms housing development (ie. trailer park). Why should he worry about roads, isn't that the responsibility of the state? Even if he knew the State would be 10 years behind in road development, why should he foresee (if not cause) the resulting traffic tie-up in which he now sits. Perhaps our elected representative will have the time to reflect on the Troutman Memorial Watertower and remember how he was led around as if he had a ring thru his nose.
Perhaps fellow commissioners can recall where they had their thumbs.
Jim Mairs
Troutman (former Mooresville resident)
Over the last decade, Troutman has seized control of southern Iredell county by utilizing the county easements and right of ways to negate any resistance a property owner could hope to exert. First a sewage-line or water-line is run down a highway or creek. Now Troutman controls the development of the area with control of the water/sewer hookups. This usurpted control of the exit 42 exchange five years ago, despite an existing "Iredell County Land Use Plan" (paid for by county taxpayers). To commerate this victory, Troutman is now building the Troutman Memorial Watertower on Interstate 77 just north of exit 42, for all of to see.
One can only hope this memorial touches a nerve with our Board Chairman every time he is in a Brawley School Road traffic jam on Highway 21 between Mooresville and I-77. A jam caused by the 200 plus "economically naive home owners" in the quarter million dollar 1/3 acre lots he allowed in the so called Shiloh Farms housing development (ie. trailer park). Why should he worry about roads, isn't that the responsibility of the state? Even if he knew the State would be 10 years behind in road development, why should he foresee (if not cause) the resulting traffic tie-up in which he now sits. Perhaps our elected representative will have the time to reflect on the Troutman Memorial Watertower and remember how he was led around as if he had a ring thru his nose.
Perhaps fellow commissioners can recall where they had their thumbs.
Jim Mairs
Troutman (former Mooresville resident)
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Letter to the Editor: Shawn Baugher
Is it me or is something really wrong with this county. It should not even be a question to place a biodiesel plant in a place where families live and play. It is a no brainer, and the county let it go, what is the motive, who is getting paid to pass that one? not that i am putting anyones integrety in question, but it makes you wonder. Now let's move on to questions about our Skatepark!
Shawn Baugher
Statesville
Friday, August 17, 2007
Letter to the Editor: Fred Coggins
Steve Johnson, Godfrey Williams, Ken Robertson, Marvin Norman and Sara Haire-Tice were voted in by the people, and they turn their backs on them. With more than 70 people against it, only two for it, how could any people with good common sense have voted for the project on Snow Creek Road?
This is an example of why we need to elect five new commissioners as soon as possible.
The current ones work for big business and not for the people of Iredell County.
Vote for five new commissioners in the 2008 election. They won't get any worse than the present set. We need commissioners who will work for the people, not against the people.
Fred Coggins
Mooresville
This is an example of why we need to elect five new commissioners as soon as possible.
The current ones work for big business and not for the people of Iredell County.
Vote for five new commissioners in the 2008 election. They won't get any worse than the present set. We need commissioners who will work for the people, not against the people.
Fred Coggins
Mooresville
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Letter to the Editor: Jim Freeland
I went to the Iredell County Commission meeting last week. It was a real dog and pony show. Seventy-three people were against the proposed biodiesel plant and about five were for it.
I know we need alternate fuel, but if all the soy bean in the country were used to make biodiesel fuel, it would last about a week. It has to be subsidized at about a dollar a gallon to break even. If it were not for this subsidy, would anybody want to produce it?
Don't you just love farm subsidies?
Jim Freeland
Statesville
I know we need alternate fuel, but if all the soy bean in the country were used to make biodiesel fuel, it would last about a week. It has to be subsidized at about a dollar a gallon to break even. If it were not for this subsidy, would anybody want to produce it?
Don't you just love farm subsidies?
Jim Freeland
Statesville
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Neighbors mull legal action
The 500 feet between the silos and sheds on the McLain family farm and Bryan and Sheree Leach’s property is filled with freshly cut corn stalks and frustration.
Sheree and her mother, Dorothy Carney, have watched trucks go in and out of the McLain’s Snow Creek Road farm all week with the corn harvest.
For the full story, click here.
Sheree and her mother, Dorothy Carney, have watched trucks go in and out of the McLain’s Snow Creek Road farm all week with the corn harvest.
For the full story, click here.
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Editorial: Turning a blind eye
The folks who live on Snow Creek Road must feel like they got kicked in the teeth by Steve Johnson and Godfrey Williams, punched in the gut by Ken Robertson and run over by a bus driven by Marvin Norman.
Who can fault them? Tuesday night, a large contingent of concerned citizens went to the Iredell County commissioners to plead with their elected officials.
They wanted the commissioners to understand their neighborhood was not a good location for a proposed biodiesel plant. They were worried about their safety, their property values and overall quality of life. Who can blame them?
One commissioner, Sara Haire Tice, felt their pain and voted against a proposal to rezone an eight-acre tract of McLain Farm from single-family residential to manufacturing to accommodate the alternative fuel plant.
We find it incredible, really, that the other commissioners could take this action in the face of such overwhelming opposition by the people this operation will impact the most.
What's the purpose of having zoning ordinances, which are designed to protect residents from dangerous industrial operations, if the very people elected to serve the people are so willing to turn a blind eye to what the people want?
Who can fault them? Tuesday night, a large contingent of concerned citizens went to the Iredell County commissioners to plead with their elected officials.
They wanted the commissioners to understand their neighborhood was not a good location for a proposed biodiesel plant. They were worried about their safety, their property values and overall quality of life. Who can blame them?
One commissioner, Sara Haire Tice, felt their pain and voted against a proposal to rezone an eight-acre tract of McLain Farm from single-family residential to manufacturing to accommodate the alternative fuel plant.
We find it incredible, really, that the other commissioners could take this action in the face of such overwhelming opposition by the people this operation will impact the most.
What's the purpose of having zoning ordinances, which are designed to protect residents from dangerous industrial operations, if the very people elected to serve the people are so willing to turn a blind eye to what the people want?
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
County Commission approves rezoning request
Seventy-two residents stood in opposition to a proposed biodiesel facility on McLain Farm off Snow Creek Road at the Iredell County Commission meeting Tuesday night.
After listening to their constituents’ concerns, the commissioners voted 4 to 1, with Commissioner Sara Haire Tice dissenting, to approve a rezoning request that will allow the property owners to produce alternative fuel at the site. The property had been zoned for single-family residential before commissioners approved a change to manufacturing.
For the full story, click here.
After listening to their constituents’ concerns, the commissioners voted 4 to 1, with Commissioner Sara Haire Tice dissenting, to approve a rezoning request that will allow the property owners to produce alternative fuel at the site. The property had been zoned for single-family residential before commissioners approved a change to manufacturing.
For the full story, click here.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Editorial: A horrible location for a terrific idea
Opponents of the McLain family's proposal to produce biodiesel fuel on their farm off Snow Creek Road have made a good case that Iredell County commissioners should give great weight to tonight as they consider the McLain's rezoning request.
The McLains must have the property rezoned in order to begin refining the alternative fuel.
Phil McLain has been a good salesman for the project. The refinery, he claims, will create a new market for local farmers and make the community more self-sufficient as it reduces our dependence on foreign oil.
As any good pitch man would do, Mr. McLain has stressed the positives of this proposal while downplaying the downside and potential risk to the Snow Creek community.
His neighbors have been happy to fill in the gaps. And they have made some valid points: hazardous, flammable materials will be introduced into their neighborhood in large quantities, tanker-truck traffic will increase and, more than likely, property values will decline.
It would be easy to characterize their opposition as the "not in my back yard" type. But that would be wrong.
In our view, a biodiesel refinery is not suitable for anyone's back yard.
Commissioners should only approve this rezoning request if they are willing to allow a similar rezoning in their own neighborhoods.
A biodiesel refinery would fit right in among the quarter-million homes in Dogwood Estates, wouldn't it?
The McLains must have the property rezoned in order to begin refining the alternative fuel.
Phil McLain has been a good salesman for the project. The refinery, he claims, will create a new market for local farmers and make the community more self-sufficient as it reduces our dependence on foreign oil.
As any good pitch man would do, Mr. McLain has stressed the positives of this proposal while downplaying the downside and potential risk to the Snow Creek community.
His neighbors have been happy to fill in the gaps. And they have made some valid points: hazardous, flammable materials will be introduced into their neighborhood in large quantities, tanker-truck traffic will increase and, more than likely, property values will decline.
It would be easy to characterize their opposition as the "not in my back yard" type. But that would be wrong.
In our view, a biodiesel refinery is not suitable for anyone's back yard.
Commissioners should only approve this rezoning request if they are willing to allow a similar rezoning in their own neighborhoods.
A biodiesel refinery would fit right in among the quarter-million homes in Dogwood Estates, wouldn't it?
Letter to the Editor: Lois Tomlin
Northern Iredell County is a beautiful part of Iredell County. The majority of the people who live in this area take pride in their property and many have had their land handed down to them from their families for generations.
The proposed bio-diesel refinery on Snow Creek Road would be detrimental to the people who live in this area and to the value of their property. This is heavy-manufacturing business that should be in an industrial zone, not in a rural residential, agricultural community.
With this refinery would come more trucks, farm equipment, storage tanks and traffic in the area. The traffic congestion would not be limited to Snow Creek Road. There are buses with school children that travel in this area and this refinery would only increase the danger for their daily commute to school.
All of the citizens of Iredell County should be concerned about this refinery since the McLains have farm land all over the county so the Snow Creek community will not be the only ones affected.
We all know that one day how you treated your neighbor will be more important than how much money you made.
I feel that it is the duty of the Iredell County Zoning Board and the Iredell County Commission to make the right decision for the Snow Creek community and all the citizens of North Iredell County by not allowing this biodiesel refinery in our neighborhood.
Lois Tomlin
Statesville
The proposed bio-diesel refinery on Snow Creek Road would be detrimental to the people who live in this area and to the value of their property. This is heavy-manufacturing business that should be in an industrial zone, not in a rural residential, agricultural community.
With this refinery would come more trucks, farm equipment, storage tanks and traffic in the area. The traffic congestion would not be limited to Snow Creek Road. There are buses with school children that travel in this area and this refinery would only increase the danger for their daily commute to school.
All of the citizens of Iredell County should be concerned about this refinery since the McLains have farm land all over the county so the Snow Creek community will not be the only ones affected.
We all know that one day how you treated your neighbor will be more important than how much money you made.
I feel that it is the duty of the Iredell County Zoning Board and the Iredell County Commission to make the right decision for the Snow Creek community and all the citizens of North Iredell County by not allowing this biodiesel refinery in our neighborhood.
Lois Tomlin
Statesville
Letter to the Editor: Tammy Bridges
There is an air of humility surrounding the proposed zoning change on Snow Creek Road for the purpose of a bio-diesel plant. It is as though it is being pursued for the good of the county and mankind as opposed to one family's pocketbook.
Iredell County has plenty of commercial property zoned for industrial use available without destroying one of the few beautiful North Iredell residential areas remaining. To read the news articles, you'd think those pursuing this change cared about the community and weren’t going to make a dime. That's preposterous!
It just so happens that building on land they already own would cut overhead quite drastically. How can someone claim to care so much about helping everyone else when they blatantly have no regard for their own neighbors? What about the toddler who will be playing along the same driveway where the tankers are coming and going?
I'm definitely for growth, capitalism, and, of course, helping the farmers, but to what extent? If we so desperately need a biodiesel plant, let's put one somewhere that would make sense! A site for an industry takes time and diligence to find and investigate. It doesn't just happen to be one's own land in a residential neighborhood where people have purchased land hoping to raise their children and enjoy their grandchildren.
Even those who look over the dangers of 6,000 gallons of methane right in the middle of a residential neighborhood by comparing them to a small propane tank must know what risks it poses and how it will destroy this community. For anyone looking in, it makes no sense whatsoever. It really removes a lot of trust for our local government in protecting our property values and what we've worked our entire lives to save.
Do the numbers of those who might "benefit" outnumber those who will suffer every single day with the worry and danger of living right next door to a plant that produces highly flammable fuel? Isn't there another site already in the works in Statesville in an industrial area? Those who are for this change must be mighty relieved that it won't be across the street from their own property. In my opinion, this is how the destruction of communities must begin.
Tammy Bridges
Statesville
Iredell County has plenty of commercial property zoned for industrial use available without destroying one of the few beautiful North Iredell residential areas remaining. To read the news articles, you'd think those pursuing this change cared about the community and weren’t going to make a dime. That's preposterous!
It just so happens that building on land they already own would cut overhead quite drastically. How can someone claim to care so much about helping everyone else when they blatantly have no regard for their own neighbors? What about the toddler who will be playing along the same driveway where the tankers are coming and going?
I'm definitely for growth, capitalism, and, of course, helping the farmers, but to what extent? If we so desperately need a biodiesel plant, let's put one somewhere that would make sense! A site for an industry takes time and diligence to find and investigate. It doesn't just happen to be one's own land in a residential neighborhood where people have purchased land hoping to raise their children and enjoy their grandchildren.
Even those who look over the dangers of 6,000 gallons of methane right in the middle of a residential neighborhood by comparing them to a small propane tank must know what risks it poses and how it will destroy this community. For anyone looking in, it makes no sense whatsoever. It really removes a lot of trust for our local government in protecting our property values and what we've worked our entire lives to save.
Do the numbers of those who might "benefit" outnumber those who will suffer every single day with the worry and danger of living right next door to a plant that produces highly flammable fuel? Isn't there another site already in the works in Statesville in an industrial area? Those who are for this change must be mighty relieved that it won't be across the street from their own property. In my opinion, this is how the destruction of communities must begin.
Tammy Bridges
Statesville
Letter to the Editor: Jane Burris
The purpose of zoning is to regulate the use of land. Rezoning changes this use from its original designation (as in the case on Snow Creek Road ) to a drastically different use. If property can be rezoned so easily and is not in the best interest of surrounding property owners, then what is the point of having zoning ordinances in the first place? I would never build a house in an area zoned for industry. Why should industry be allowed to encroach on a residential community?
Just because the proposed biodiesel fuel plant is connected to farming does not mean it is not dangerous to operate, with families living as close as 200 feet away. There are caustic chemicals involved as well as toxic fumes. The volunteer fire departments are not equipped to handle a potential disaster, including explosions and fire in this type of facility. In the event of a chemical spill, groundwater contamination is likely.
Another factor to consider is declining property values. Would you want to buy a home near a biodiesel fuel plant? In 1999 when there was a request to rezone Snow Creek Road to R-20 (by the same petitioners) the plea was in the name of protecting property values. Where is the concern for their neighbors' property values now?
If you think this issue does not concern you, remember, if it can happen in our neighborhood, it can happen in yours. I urge you to attend the Iredell County Commission meeting at 7 p.m. today in the old courthouse and help keep heavy manufacturing where it belongs.
Jane Burris
Statesville
Just because the proposed biodiesel fuel plant is connected to farming does not mean it is not dangerous to operate, with families living as close as 200 feet away. There are caustic chemicals involved as well as toxic fumes. The volunteer fire departments are not equipped to handle a potential disaster, including explosions and fire in this type of facility. In the event of a chemical spill, groundwater contamination is likely.
Another factor to consider is declining property values. Would you want to buy a home near a biodiesel fuel plant? In 1999 when there was a request to rezone Snow Creek Road to R-20 (by the same petitioners) the plea was in the name of protecting property values. Where is the concern for their neighbors' property values now?
If you think this issue does not concern you, remember, if it can happen in our neighborhood, it can happen in yours. I urge you to attend the Iredell County Commission meeting at 7 p.m. today in the old courthouse and help keep heavy manufacturing where it belongs.
Jane Burris
Statesville
Friday, August 3, 2007
Letter to the Editor: Randy Bridges
Your front-page article in Monday's edition on the McLains' proposed biodiesel refinery on Snow Creek Road was a great promotional piece, if you like heavy industry in your front yard. According to my calculations, approximately 50 column inches were devoted to supporting this heavy- manufacturing process in our quiet residential and agricultural neighborhood. Only about nine column inches referred to the damage, disruption and danger this would create for members of our community and visitors to our area.
Phil McLain was quoted as saying that "the hearing was delayed" when, in fact, that can only be decided by the county board of commissioners. That decision was not made until Tuesday at the 7 p.m. commissioners meeting, not prior to the print deadline for your Monday edition.
Although we had a sizable crowd of opponents in attendance, several others failed to attend the meeting due to the misinformation printed in the R&L. The news and editorial staffs of your paper owe it to the citizens of Iredell County and Statesville to check their information rather than to gratuitously print someone’s inaccurate remarks as fact.
The issue now is scheduled to be heard at the Aug. 7 commissioners meeting. I encourage all who are opposed to this "loose gun" approach to rezoning to please attend this hearing.
The proposed M-2 heavy manufacturing zoning is referred to in the Iredell County Land Use Plan as "designed to accommodate all but the most obnoxious industries."
Wouldn't you agree that this type of facility can rightly only be located in an industrial zone?
I trust that cooler heads will prevail when our county commissioners make the decision at their next meeting.
Randy Bridges
Statesville
Phil McLain was quoted as saying that "the hearing was delayed" when, in fact, that can only be decided by the county board of commissioners. That decision was not made until Tuesday at the 7 p.m. commissioners meeting, not prior to the print deadline for your Monday edition.
Although we had a sizable crowd of opponents in attendance, several others failed to attend the meeting due to the misinformation printed in the R&L. The news and editorial staffs of your paper owe it to the citizens of Iredell County and Statesville to check their information rather than to gratuitously print someone’s inaccurate remarks as fact.
The issue now is scheduled to be heard at the Aug. 7 commissioners meeting. I encourage all who are opposed to this "loose gun" approach to rezoning to please attend this hearing.
The proposed M-2 heavy manufacturing zoning is referred to in the Iredell County Land Use Plan as "designed to accommodate all but the most obnoxious industries."
Wouldn't you agree that this type of facility can rightly only be located in an industrial zone?
I trust that cooler heads will prevail when our county commissioners make the decision at their next meeting.
Randy Bridges
Statesville
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