Village Rejects Quarry Proposal

After several weeks of , the village on Friday announced its intention to deny Hanson Material Service’s request to begin mining operations on an 80-acre parcel of land along Taylor Road, west of the Route 53 quarry.

The proposal, which would have extended mining to a parcel known as the Spangler property, drew objections from some residents of the Nottingham Ridge and College View neighborhoods, who feared it would bring the blasting closer to their homes.

Mayor John Noak declined to comment further on a statement released Friday afternoon by the village.

“After extended review and having had the opportunity to receive input from residents and other community stakeholders, Mayor Noak has informed representatives of Hanson/Material Service Corporation that the Corporate Authorities of the Village do not envision any possibility of amending the Spangler property annexation agreement to open that property to quarrying,” the release stated. “Mayor Noak also indicated that the Village remains open to further discussions with Hanson/Material Service Corporation concerning its properties that are presently annexed and zoned for quarrying.”

The company’s annexation and rezoning application for the parcel remains on the agenda for the Feb. 14 Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, according to the release.

Late Friday afternoon, Jeff Sieg, a spokesman for Hanson, said the announcement was news to him.

“Obviously, I can’t comment on anything yet,” Sieg said.

Tomasz Suliga, a Nottingham Ridge resident and outspoken opponent of the plan, said he was cautiously optimistic.

“We’re elated right now,” he said of homeowners who feared approval of the plan could increase shaking and air quality concerns associated with quarry blasting. “We want to see what happens … but [we’re] very optimistic.

“I’m elated the mayor is finally listening to his residents.”