Please attend Iola Sand Mine hearing Oct. 21

By Greg Ambrosius

On Monday, Oct. 21, at 9 a.m., the Waupaca County Board of Adjustment (BOA) will host a day-long hearing on the Faulks Bros. sand mine permit for the Iola Car Show grounds. We invite everyone – no matter if you are for or against the sand mine – to attend and listen to the facts.

For the record: This permit was unanimously denied already by the Township of Scandinavia’s Planning & Zoning Committee and unanimously denied by the Town’s full board. It was also denied 3-2 by the Waupaca County Planning & Zoning Committee. But after two closed-door meetings totaling 90 minutes with the County Attorney and with no new evidence, no new testimony, and no public input, one member of the P&Z was convinced to ask for a “reconsideration” vote and two members later changed their votes to approve the permit 4-1. What possibly could have been said behind closed doors?

So now the BOA is tasked with cleaning this up and holding a brand-new hearing. The previous decision is no longer valid. The BOA will hear testimony from both sides and the burden is on Faulks Bros. to prove with “substantial evidence” that this permit is compliant with all seven requirements in Waupaca County Ordinance Chapter 34.14.5.1(b). (Look it up)

Oh, did I mention that this land is surrounded by seven homes that are so close that due to the 500-foot offset from each home the mine is reduced to 20 acres in a 60-acre lot? As Town Chairman Gary Marx stated, they are trying to “shoehorn” a sand mine in this residential area. It didn’t meet the standards of the Township’s 2030 Comprehensive Plan and it’s hard to see how it meets the standards of the County’s own ordinance, but we will soon find out.

We invite everyone to come hear the facts, see if the law is followed and see if the County can override the Township’s ruling. Town of Lind residents, pay attention; you may want to see how this plays out. See you there.