April 5 Important Update on Proposed Mines

IMPORTANT UPDATE ON PROPOSED MINES – APR 05, 2022

PLEASANT LAKE ROAD SITE

As noted in a prior communication, the Sharon Township Planning Commission (PC) found that Stoneco did not establish “need” for the proposed mine on Pleasant Lake Rd.  The PC forwarded its request to the township Board, who must make the final determination (see graphic)

On March 30, Stoneco’s attorney wrote a letter to the Board (link to document) that:

• Rebuts the claims made by Spicer Group (township’s consultant) in its report from February 16
• States the Sharon Township’s ordinance – and the Planning Commission’s recommendation based on it – is in violation of Michigan law
• Says that, should the Board act on the PC’s recommendation, “…Stoneco will be left with no option but to challenge the entire Sharon Township Mining Ordinance, and have it struck down as a violation of the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act.”

The township Board is drafting a response to Stoneco’s letter.  It will NOT add the issue to the agenda for the April 7th Board Meeting.

Important – You can help!

Based on the language in Stoneco’s letter, we can expect a renewed effort by the aggregate lobby (MAA) to pressure the state legislature to pass bills 429-431.  These bills remove the authority of a township to permit, license and oversee mining in its jurisdiction.   (Stoneco’s attorney is the same attorney for the MAA.) 

Sharon Township’s elected officials have indicated that they do NOT support these bills, but it’s very important to tell them again you are concerned.  Write them and other members of the legislature that have influence on this legislation.  Contact information and a sample letter can be found here.

M52 SITE

The Mineral Licensing Board will have its second review meeting on Monday, April 4 for the AI proposed expansion of the mine on M-52.  Sharon Preservation Society provided the MLB with an initial list of questions and concerns before the first meeting.  It may submit additional questions and concerns for the meetings devoted to air and water quality issues.