Residents Speak Out Against Gravel Mine Plans in Brighton Twp. Residents Speak Out Against Gravel Mine Plans in Brighton Twp.

1/16/13 - 25 years later and some Brighton Township residents are still fighting for what they feel they’re owed as part of a court consent order – no more mining and a park. Around 60 frustrated Brighton Township residents attended a meeting Tuesday night to voice concerns with possible plans for continued gravel mining operations. In July, the Planning Commission voted to recommend the township board approve a revised site plan along with extraction and fill permits for Clearwater Development LLC, with some conditions. The company purchased the site on Jacoby Road, west of Kensington Road from Sunset Sand & Gravel and wants to mine the property for the next 12 to 24 years. However, a 1987 joint planned development agreement was reached between Sunset Gravel and the township calling for the land to be restored for a condo development and a township park. Residents allege the township didn’t enforce its rights under that agreement and actually violated it by allowing other operations at the site. They say it’s the township’s obligation to fix that property since Sunset Gravel’s surety bond expired and the township does have some funds set aside for a park. Resident Todd Peters, who likened the situation to Charlie Brown trying to kick a football held by Lucy, says they wanted the development to go through and be successful - what they don’t want is 12 to 24 more years of mining as proposed under the new recommendation. Peters says the planning commission approved an incomplete plan that is not in the best interest of the community. Residents are concerned about what happens next and allege the township has had no problems violating the order set forth by the court while others expressed frustration with the fact no township board members were in attendance last night. Many voiced concerns about overall safety, decreased property values and environmental contamination. They say many purchased lots with the expectation the site would be developed but the new plan surfaced, calling for mining and filling the site until 2037 which they say directly violates the previous court order. Newly hired Township Manager Brian Vick tells WHMI they’re working to have engineers confirm current elevations at the site and proposed park and will be obtaining some cost estimates. As it stands now, developers have yet to make any changes to the plans as previously indicated and nothing has been formally presented to the township board for action. (JM)