Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
PULLMAN — On Wednesday, July 26, the Pullman Planning Commission voted against the rezoning of a proposed rock quarry located less than 1,000 feet from Kamiak Elementary School in a residential neighborhood.
The project is being initiated by Mader Development, operated by Steve Mader of Pullman, who aims to rezone a 9.3-acre space of residentially zoned land for the purpose of creating a rock quarry.
The decision to rezone has faced strong opposition from the local community, with over 100 people sending letters to the Pullman City Council expressing their concerns.
At a public hearing held on Wednesday night, more than 25 individuals, including parents and children from the elementary school, residents near the proposed quarry, citizens of Pullman, and a representative from the Pullman School District, voiced their opposition to the rezoning.
One of the key issues raised by opponents is the potential impact on public health, particularly for the children attending Kamiak Elementary School and residents living in the neighborhood.
Concerns include noise pollution and fly rock caused by blasting at the quarry.
“The future Pullman of my nightmare is one in which an apparent money developer runs a rough shot over people who work hard, save to buy a home, want to nurture their families and strive to be good neighbors,” said Pullman resident Pamela Lee a the meeting.
Pullman School District Director of Operations Joe Thornton told the commissioners board that the district would likely not have purchased the property for Kamiak Elementary if it neighbored a quarry.
Mader was one of four individuals in attendance who defended the project, asserting that the existing rock from the quarry would be used for affordable construction in the surrounding area.
He also mentioned a similar project that he oversees in Lewiston that has not received any complaints about noise or fly rock.
The decision now lies with the Pullman City Council, which will vote on whether to approve or reject the rezone.
Reid Thompson is an intern reporter at the Whitman County Gazette. Reid is enrolled at Syracuse University, where he studies journalism and international relations.
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