Members of Meade County Fiscal Court conducted a public hearing during a special called meeting Monday (5/22) night related to a zoning map amendment request made by Kosmos Cement.
The three and half hour meeting heard evidence and facts from representatives from Kosmos and Battletown residents, who have property that adjoins the approximately 750 acres of the quarry. Many topics were discussed included the rural aspect of the community and the many threats that mining operation could impose; to the high paying jobs that are close to to home for many of the generational employees, who have made their careers at the facility.
Kosmos recently resubmitted a application for a zoning change from Agricultural to Heavy Industrial use. The rezoning would allow the company continue it’s operations on the property. As part of the it’s plan, Kosmos is working the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to move a section of Kentucky 228 to the side of the new property to allow the quarry to mine for minerals needed for cement. The company plans pay for the relocation of the roadway and not use public funds.
Residents want better protection of their property by asking Fiscal Court to draft a mining ordinance which would set specific buffer zones and setbacks for blasting operations to reduce debris and dust from their properties. They also claim the blasting has caused foundation and structural issues to buildings and houses along with damage to wells in the area.
After hearing the comments from both sides and asking few questions, the court went into a closed session to discuss any possible litigation related to their vote with the County Attorney. After thirty fives, the court returned and conducted a ballot vote. The voting resulted in a tie vote of 2 -2 with Judge Executive Troy Kok casting the deciding yes vote to the official vote 3 to 2 in favor of the Zoning Map Amendment. Magistrates Eli Dix and Billy Sipes were absent from the meeting.
After the vote, Judge Executive Kok stated that the public’s voice had been heard and Fiscal Court will work on drafting an ordinance to address the concerns voiced in the matter.
You can watch the entire Special Called Meeting in our “On Demand” section.
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