Lake Hallie (WQOW) - A local community is one step closer to putting a sand mine moratorium into place. What's unique, the community says it does not have any proposals from frac sand mining companies on table right now.
The Lake Hallie Village Board passed the first reading of a nine month moratorium at Thursday's meeting.
On Monday, several residents voiced concerns about the potential for frac sand mining projects at a village board meeting.
The village says they are not aware of any sand mining proposals, but Landmark Christian Church in Lake Hallie says it's been contacted by a company looking to buy its property, all eight acres including the building. The church says it wasn't looking to sell. It isn't releasing any details about the company or why it's interested in the property. The board says the way that property is currently zoned, could allow for a sand transfer station to be built.
John Neihart, the President for the Village of Lake Hallie, says, "For some reason there is speculation that there is something taking place over there, although the board has not been approached by anyone, nor has zoning, or the planning commission. People are concerned about their health in the event that it's a loading facility and the dust and that. And they are concerned of course, about their safety and additional trains and carrier trucks transporting in and out."
Bonnie Phillips, a Lake Hallie Resident, says, "I think if any sand mine companies came in here, it would really deflate the value of our property and effect the whole village because people then are not going to want to move into the area."
The original proposal was for a six month moratorium. Thursday, the public requested it be extended to nine months. That was passed by a unanimous vote.
Village leaders say the moratorium will allow time for more research.
A second reading of that proposal will be August 6th. If it is approved, the moratorium will go into effect.
