In my very first "Letter to the Editor", printed in August of this year, I told you about the sand pit proposed to be operated in the large field just north of Jones Road and Highway 60. That came as quite a shock to the residents of this community. We gathered to discuss the situation and plan ways in which we could ‘diplomatically’ oppose such a venture.
Fortunately, there are several people among us who have had experience in dealing with land use issues, environmental concerns, land owners’ rights and the well being of citizens. There were many details to attend to, and one by one they were researched and taken care of. We attended all of the Town Planning Commission meetings, presenting our thoughts and feelings verbally (if briefly) and in writing. Many letters were sent to the commissioners. They were read and taken seriously; the Chairperson extracted questions from them for discussion and clarification.
As the summer moved along we became more educated about zoning, the Smart Growth plan and The Comprehensive Plan which the Township has adopted as a guide for use in zoning and development of the township. It became evident to us that the pit proposal did not comply in many respects with the Plan. The company seemed unaware of this until one of our wise commissioners brought it to the table, explained its purposes and directed them to study it before the next meeting.
During the last meeting on November 14, the Chairperson led her commissioners and the public (about 100 people) in a point-by-point perusal of the elements of the Plan which might apply to this particular "spot" zoning situation. By 11:00 P.M. a motion was made and accepted to vote on the proposal. This time we were pleasantly shocked when the vote was unanimously against approving the proposal. We are very proud of the commissioners; one of them declared that "this is the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make".
During one of our monthly meetings we chose a name for our group. We are now the River Valley Concerned Citizens. Some of our goals are to maintain and protect our community’s quality of life, safety, health, and prosperity. Also to support orderly Town development and to protect the aesthetic beauty of the natural landscape and agricultural lands.
There has been a genuine heartfelt group effort to bring us this far. We have appreciated the support of many of you in signing our petition, opposing the pit, attending the Town meetings and speaking out in your letters to the editor. All these things have helped to nourish the group. We will continue to work toward meeting our stated goals; after this project there may be other causes to be ‘concerned’ about. We will rise to meet those challenges.
At this point we find it necessary to ask for financial help to carry us through the next steps in the process of either approving or disapproving this project. It must go before our Town Board and then to the County Board of Adjustment. Please, if you wish to make a contribution, contact me or send a check to River Valley Concerned Citizens, E6060 State Rd 60, Spring Green, WI 53588.
If you want more information, check out the Sand Pit web page at: www.highway60.com/sandpit/
I will also keep you posted as things go along.
Maxine Pfefferkorn, S12124 Thuli Road, Spring Green, WI 53588
Phone: 608-588-2495