Public comments resume July 31 at Troyer Brothers rezoning hearing for proposed mine on SR82

Public comments are scheduled to resume on July 31 at 9 a.m. at the Lee County Hearing Examiners Office, 1500 Monroe St., 2^nd floor in Fort Myers.  During the public comment phase of the hearing, concerned residents, businesses and industry experts have the opportunity to present their viewpoints on the proposed rezoning of the 1,790-acre Troyer Brothers property on SR82 near Homestead Road in Lee County for limerock mining.

Additionally, a group of citizens representing Lehigh Acres and Lee County have joined together to start a petition in opposition to the proposed mine. More than 200 supporters have already shown their support by signing the online petition. The organizers of the petition plan to present the signatures to the Hearing Examiner to demonstrate public opposition to the proposed mine. To view or sign the petition, visit https://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/472/490/609/.

With concern for increased traffic, noise pollution, silica dust pollution and environmental threats as a result of mining trucks and activity, nearby property owners have organized a campaign, NoMineon82, opposing the rezoning request.

According to a traffic study from the applicant’s proposal, the proposed mine will bring increased traffic to SR82. The study forecasts that a dump truck will enter or exit the mine entrance every 40 seconds on SR82, and nearly 2,000 dump truck trips will happen daily along SR82 in Fort Myers.

Additionally, the opposition cites Lee County’s most recent mine study, The Waldrop 2016 report, citing current limerock supplies are sufficient for at least the next 20 years to meet local and regional growth needs.

Following the hearing, the examiner will make a recommendation to the Lee County Board of County Commissioners, which holds a second hearing and makes the final decision on whether to approve or decline the request.

For more information, visit http://nomineon82.com/.