Build it somewhere else—that’s the message from citizens who are fired up over a proposed sand and gravel site in southeast Tipton County and north Shelby County.
Residents met with the town of Atoka Board of Mayor and Aldermen to share their concerns over the Memphis Stone and Gravel’s proposed project.
Dozens of people showed up to Atoka City Hall Tuesday to tell community leaders to reject Memphis Stone and Gravel’s proposed gravel site.
Citizens voiced concerns over safety and declining property values.
This is a glimpse into the several acres of land that is at stake of becoming the Atoka aggregate facility. It’s mostly in Tipton County but a portion goes into Shelby County.
According to the company website, the facility would mine for high quality sand and gravel.
The property lines sit next to residential areas.
The company’s permit was approved in 2006.
Their website states building in Atoka would solve the declining resources at another site and serve the north metro market.
Builders have agreed to conditions but residents are not convinced.
“So, in our view, we’re not winning anything here. So we would just like to be safe, our kids to be safe, no big trucks on the road. They’re talking 150 trucks on the road every day. We just don’t need that and we don’t think it’s safe,” said resident Jeff Nichols.
Now that Memphis Stone and Gravel has spoken and citizens have had their say, the next stop is the board of zoning and appeals.
