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Neighbors decry concrete, asphalt dumping near residences; BZA continues Heimlich special-exception hearing
Summary
Grant County neighbors told the Board of Zoning Appeals that contractors have been dumping large amounts of concrete and asphalt at a 35-acre parcel owned by Jack Heimlich, citing road damage, floodplain and permit concerns. The board continued the special-exception hearing to allow the petitioner to provide mitigation and documentation.
The Grant County Board of Zoning Appeals on Nov. 3 continued a special-exception hearing for a property owned by Jack Heimlich after residents described sustained dumping of concrete, asphalt and other construction debris that they say has harmed nearby roads, damaged views and may violate county floodplain and permitting rules.
Attorney Joe Cirtle, representing Heimlich, told the board the material already placed on the site is clean fill and that recent activity had ceased. He said the concrete and asphalt on site "is now being removed, to be reused," and that the petitioner will cooperate with staff to meet conditions tied to any special exception.
Neighbors urged the board to delay any approval until the county reviews additional technical materials. "At peak activity, we've counted 70 dump trucks a day in front of our house," resident Jared Armstrong said, describing frequent nighttime traffic, noise and heavy truck use on County Road 825. He also told the board he did not see a hydrologic and hydraulic study or base flood elevation analysis in application materials and said fill has been placed in mapped floodplain areas.
Other residents described safety and nuisance problems. Scott Berger said trucks regularly cross the center line on blind hills and that concrete has fallen into a creek that divides properties, potentially increasing flood risk. Lee Butler said windblown dust and large stones left on the roadway have created hazards and property-maintenance burdens.
Jason Miller, an engineer retained recently by the petitioners, said he had not yet done a site visit but that Google Earth aerials show piles adjacent to the roadway. Miller said he would visit the site, coordinate required screening, gates and traffic changes with the petitioners, and provide updates to county staff. "We're gonna do what is necessary to meet those requirements," he told the board.
Board members pressed for immediate steps to protect residents and the road, asking for a schedule for removal of material, erosion and sediment controls, surety that the work will be completed and monthly progress reports. The chair asked petitioners to provide weekly updates to staff and suggested the county highway department consider 'No large truck' signage to restrict haul routes.
Rose Jones moved to continue the special-exception hearing to allow the petitioner to produce site plans, floodplain analysis and compliance measures; John Pearson seconded. The board approved the continuance by roll-call vote. The board did not act on the special exception itself and said the item will be set for a later, properly advertised hearing.
The matter remains pending; staff asked the petitioner's agent to report back on progress by the coming Friday and to provide weekly status updates thereafter.
