Madison County votes on zoning changes

The Madison County planning and zoning held a public hearing Thursday nightover gravel pits and landowner rights. A city ordinance states that conditional use permits for gravel pits can only be used on heavy industrial land. A proposed change would make those permits possible for agricultural, commercial, and light industrial land. People living in Madison County are worried the ordinance change is in response to an application by Bowen Construction to dig a gravel pit in the Thornton area.

Bowen’s pulled their application after learning the conditional use permit they were seeking would be against county code. Even though that application was pulled, some residents wonder if the new ordinance change is so it would be easier for the construction company to reapply.

Those opposed to the motion filled the council chambers Thursday night . Residents worry the heavy industrial businesses will be detrimental to their livelihood. Diane Flores said the county needs to be more selective and avoid construction of gravel pits in residential areas. Gravel pits do pose a threat to property value, sound issues, and air pollution to residents.

“In the end, if the county citizens end up changing this code and they want more gravel pits, so be it,” said Shane Ruebush, who opposes the ordinance change. “I still take the position asking that we follow our laws before we change things for the benefit of a few people.”

Local News 8 reached out to Bowen Construction; they didn’t comment. However, Bridger Bowen said in his public comment, that the changing ordinance would promote future growth, competitive bids, and provide private commercial business in the county.

The motion to change the zoning did not pass. Two commissioners were in favor and six were against.