Concrete Plan Proposal Sparks Concern in Grayson County

Community Concerns Over Proposed Concrete Batch Plant

Residents in Grayson County, Texas, are raising alarms over a proposed concrete batch plant that could significantly alter the rural character of their neighborhood. The plan has sparked widespread concern among locals who fear the impact on their quality of life and the environment.

The proposed facility is located in an unincorporated area near Savage Road, just 130 yards from the home of Jan and David Harrison. The couple moved to the countryside seeking a peaceful place for their family to enjoy outdoor activities. However, the idea of a concrete batch plant nearby has them worried about the future of their property and way of life.

“We moved out to the country so they could roam, play, and have fun,” Jan Harrison said. “Now if this [is approved], it’s going to take the area completely out of agriculture and turn it into industrial.”

The plant would be only a fraction of the distance required by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), which mandates a minimum buffer zone of 440 yards between such facilities and residential areas. This discrepancy has led many residents to question the legitimacy of the proposal.

David Harrison expressed his frustration, stating, “No way a legal permit could be issued to him because of the 440-yard radius that is required.”

The concerns extend beyond the Hargisons. Verna Bailey, another nearby resident, worries about the effects on her cattle. “We’ll have to sell them. We’re not going to feed them concrete dust,” she said. For farmers like Charles Fellenbaum, air and water quality are crucial to their business. “More specifically, air quality and water quality for our animals is very vital to our business,” he explained. “So, we know that’s going to impact our community and our personal business.”

Fellenbaum, who has lived in the area for 23 years, emphasized that the community feels the proposal is an unwelcome intrusion. “Everybody is worried about the same things that we’re worried about, and it’s kind of a universal push back to just barging into a residential area with a highly commercial business,” he said. “And, that’s not why we came out here in the first place.”

The concrete batch plant would serve as a hub where trucks pick up concrete for construction sites. While the operation might seem straightforward, residents are concerned about the broader implications. These include increased traffic, potential road safety issues, disruptions to school bus routes, and noise pollution that could occur around the clock.

Residents within 440 yards of the proposed site have the right to request a contested case hearing, allowing them to voice their objections formally. This process gives the community a chance to challenge the project and ensure their voices are heard.

The debate over the plant highlights a growing tension between industrial development and the preservation of rural lifestyles. Many residents feel that the proposal threatens the very reason they chose to live in the countryside. They fear that the introduction of such a facility would undermine the tranquility and agricultural heritage of their community.

As the discussion continues, the residents of Grayson County remain united in their efforts to protect their homes and way of life. Their concerns reflect a broader movement across the country where communities are pushing back against developments that threaten their environment and quality of life.