It’s been a long time coming, but a decision has finally been made on whether or not to allow a 63-acre expansion of Melrose Quarry, in Tyendinaga Township.
Township council voted in favour of the expansion by a 3-2 recorded vote on Monday night, with crowd reaction split between the close to 50 people at the Tyendinaga Recreation Centre.
The rezoning approval comes despite the fact that many more people who spoke at a recent public meeting were against the expansion, rather than for it.
Reeve Rick Phillips says, even with concerns about noise, traffic, pollution and effects on local wells, he just didn’t find enough evidence that the expansion would be bad for the township.
Tyendinaga Township Reeve Rick Phillips discussing the Melrose Quarry expansion at November 19 council meeting. (Photo: David Foot / Quinte News)
Councillor Don McFarlane was one of two no votes and says while the democratic process has done its job, he’s not pleased with the result.
Councillor Heather Lang had voted against as well, with Councillor Wayne Chadwick, Deputy Reeve Adam Hannafin and Reeve Rick Phillips all voting for.
Even with the expansion, owner Demill Holdings Pit and Quarry, can only take a maximum of 500,000 tonnes of aggregate per year from the property at Melrose and Shannonville Roads.
Tyendinaga Township Councillor Don McFarlane discussing the Melrose Quarry expansion at November 19 council meeting. (Photo: David Foot / Quinte News)
