MOUNT PLEASANT -- People plan to speak out against a concrete business development they fear could make them sick.
The business would help with ongoing development in the area.
Some residents feel betrayed village leaders did not tell them about this plan sooner.
We spoke to the presidents of two nearby homeowner associations scrambling to research what could happen if 11 acres in the southeast end of the village is re-zoned for a concrete plant to be built.
Village leaders would not comment on camera, but sent TODAY'S TMJ4 their executive summary showing Mount Pleasant staff will recommend the approval for the business 'Schmitz Ready Mix' to build on the specified land on Chicory Road, Tuesday night.
Mary Ann Kehoe says she only learned about this seven days ago, through a post shared on Facebook by a citizen.
"It just doesn't give us enough time!" said Kehoe.
Her biggest worry is possible silica dust going into the air when concrete is mixed. There are conditions for approval the Village of Mount Pleasant listed in the executive summary, including 'Any dust produced on-site shall be controlled and abated as necessary.'
Kehoe is perplexed why the village did not notify her this was happening. She claims this was the answer she received from the community development director, "He told me that the village was only required to notify residents within 300-feet of this actual lot."
"We're a food manufacturing plant and we're nervous about these fine dust particles going into our HVAC system and affecting our food. We sell dairy concentrates around the world," said John Buhler.
Public comment will be heard after the village and business give presentations. It is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 22 at The Mount Pleasant Civic Campus - Village Hall. Click here for more information.
We reached out to Schmitz Ready Mix for comment about this story. The business president responded, "Thank you for your interest in our project on Chicory Road. At this time, we do not have any comment."
