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Box Elder residents oppose proposed gravel pit; council votes to draft opposition resolution
Summary
Dozens of Box Elder residents urged the city to oppose a proposed gravel‑pit operation near 225th Street, citing traffic, dust, school‑safety and property‑value concerns. Council voted to ask the city attorney to draft a resolution of opposition to present at the next meeting.
Dozens of residents packed the Box Elder council chamber to oppose a proposed gravel pit on 225th Street, pressing the city to make its position known before Pennington County decides the mining permit.
"I am concerned about the traffic, the dust, the noise and the devaluation of property," said a neighborhood builder adviser who identified his residence near the site and said he intends to build 50–70 cottage homes near the parcel. Multiple speakers described school routes, day‑care proximity and narrow neighborhood streets as safety risks for children. "I ask you to be against it," resident Mark Knoedel said.
Proponents including Clyde Lipp, who identified himself as an owner and partner with 63 Industries, and landowner Jamersma described a phased approach limited to 40 acres open at a time and said most material would serve Ellsworth Air Force Base. Lipp said the operation would mine in 10‑acre increments and reclaim areas as they are finished. Jamersma said he will require finished grades and reclamation and argued the project could increase the value of his holdings.
City staff and commenters discussed routes for hauling and enforcement. City engineer Scott Lang told the meeting that the enforced haul route would use Hundred and 51st to Commercial Gate and would not be routed through residential streets such as 225th. Residents expressed skepticism: one speaker said they regularly observe large trucks on streets that are not designated haul routes.
After the public‑comment period and a council discussion about the city's limited legal authority on the county permit, Councilmember Knight moved and Councilmember Schubert seconded a motion to have the city attorney prepare a resolution opposing the proposed aggregate mining permit; the council approved the motion by roll call.
The mayor reminded residents that Pennington County will hear the permit at the planning commission on June 23 and the county commission on July 1 and encouraged citizens to attend or submit written comments.
