Anderson Twp. underground mine decision to be made

ANDERSON TWP., Ohio - To mine or not to mine limestone in Anderson Township? That question should be answered Wednesday evening, when a zoning appeals board decides on the controversial issue.

When the Anderson Township Zoning Appeals Board announces its decision at the Anderson Center on Five Mile Road, the question about whether to allow an underground limestone mine at Broadwell and Roundbottom Roads will almost be a full 2 years old.

Two of the big issues over the limestone mine proposal from Martin Marietta Materials is about the proposed underground blasting the mine needs to do and the 250 trucks a day it plans to have taking limestone out of the mine. Martin Marietta says it will have explosives on site for blasting 400 to 800 feet underground, which is why it is asking for zoning permits and variances to allow the mine to operate.

Opponents say it will radically change their neighborhoods, while supporters say the underground mine will bring new revenue and taxes to the community.

Zoning officials have held a number of public hearings about the mine proposal over the last 18 months, and Wednesday evening is when it's expected the Zoning Appeals Board will make a final decision.

The mine decision meeting in Anderson Township starts at 5:30 p.m. at the Anderson Center at 7850 Five Mile Road.

Stay with 9 News and WCPO.com for full coverage of the decision.