Editorial

Is Mining The Economic Development We Want?
Winchester Star, April 29

To the Editor,

The story April 27, "Residents Question Plans for Chemstone Expansion," brings needed attention to a proposal that will negatively effect the entire community. Yet, it could also lead readers to think this is just another environment versus the economy battle. It's not.

Rezoning from agricultural to extractive manufacturing will produce environmental impacts that directly conflict with economic development goals. Frederick County has air quality problems. Additional pollution from the quarry could push us into a stricter regulatory sphere and limit the ability of other county manufacturers to expand. Is additional quarry capacity worth a limit on a tech company's expansion?

Tourism is a key economic development strategy for Middletown. But the traffic, noise and visual impact of the quarry can only erode the town's principal assets: Main Street,the Cedar Creek National Battlefield Park and the rural character surrounding the town. An expanded quarry would send a dump truck a minute through town,for a total of up to 1,400 per day. Is mining limestone more important than growth in tourism or rural businesses in and around Middletown?

Let's be clear. Saying no to the Chemstone rezoning is about choosing compatible economic development. It would be a win-win for the economy and the environment.

Sincerely,

Julie Clevenger
Middletown