Asphalt company owner frustrated after withdrawing application to build in East Flat Rock
EAST FLAT ROCK, N.C. (WLOS) — News 13 is finding out more about why an asphalt plant withdrew it's application to build off Spartanburg Highway in East Flat Rock.
Southeastern Asphalt's attorney Brian Gulden said in a letter to Henderson County attorney Russ Burrell and members of the planning department that the business wanted to address many concerns of nearby property owners -- including noise, smell and emissions -- during an Oct. 1 public hearing.
SOUTHEASTERN ASPHALT WITHDRAWS APPLICATION TO BUILD PLANT
"We’ve got it all covered," Southeastern Asphalt owner Jeff Shipman said late Tuesday afternoon. "When I say we have it all covered, we have it all covered, factually, scientifically documented not something we pulled off the Internet."
However, the plant's out-of-state toxicologist would have had to self-quarantine upon returning from Henderson County. Because that toxicologist was not able to do that, Southeastern Asphalt requested the hearing be postponed.
COMMUNITY MEMBERS OPPOSED TO AN ASPHALT PLANT PROJECT HOLD VIRTUAL RALLY
After the county denied that request, the asphalt plant then requested the toxicologist be allowed to testify virtually. That request was also denied, leaving Shipman frustrated.
"We’re just a small company that was looking to expand our business. I was born and raised here, been in business for 23 years, and I wish that people would open their minds a little more," Shipman said.
Burrell said residents fighting against the proposed plant also had out-of-state experts who could have testified virtually. So, if the county allowed the toxicologist to go virtual at the public hearing, the county would have had to include the other out-of-state testimony.
OWNER OF EAST FLAT ROCK ASPHALT COMPANY ADDRESSES CRITICS
Henderson County Commissioner Grady Hawkins said both sides had plenty of time to prepare for the Oct. 1 public hearing and moving it would have put a huge dent in the county's time and resources.
Hawkins said Southeastern Asphalt can reapply in six months to build the plant.
Shipman said he's not sure if Southeastern Asphalt will reapply.
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