John Kelly addresses Mobile County Commission opposition to dirt pit near Belmont Park

The Mobile County Commission convened on June 9, 2025, to address various community concerns, with a significant focus on a proposed dirt pit in Belmont Park. The meeting featured public comments from local resident John Kelly, who raised urgent issues regarding the environmental and infrastructural impacts of the dirt pit, which is being developed by Parton Smith Incorporated on a 145-acre site.

Kelly, a resident of Belmont Park Drive, expressed his frustration over the lack of notification to local residents about the dirt pit's establishment. He highlighted that neither he nor his neighbors received any formal communication regarding the project, which he believes poses serious risks to the community. He specifically pointed out concerns about heavy dump trucks crossing a bridge referred to as a dam, questioning its structural integrity and the safety of local traffic.

During his address, Kelly detailed the potential dangers posed by increased truck traffic, particularly at the intersection of McDonald Road and Belmont Park. He warned that the vibrations from the trucks could damage the dam, which was constructed at significant taxpayer expense. Kelly urged the commission to consider new regulations to better manage such developments and protect local infrastructure.

In response, a commissioner acknowledged the concerns raised by Kelly, confirming that while the commission is aware of the situation, they currently lack regulatory authority over dirt pits, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM). The commissioner noted that the commission does have some control over community hosts and can facilitate public hearings for certain projects, but dirt pits are not included in this regulatory framework.

The discussion underscored the need for improved communication and regulatory measures to address community concerns regarding environmental impacts and infrastructure safety in Mobile County. The commission's acknowledgment of the issue suggests a willingness to explore potential solutions, although the path forward remains uncertain given the existing limitations on their authority.