Star Staff Reports
MEMPHIS — The Shelby County Commission rejected a special permit in a meeting Monday that would have allowed gravel mining in a North Shelby County community. The permit, requested by Memphis Sand and Gravel Co., would have transformed a vacant area in Rosemark into a gravel mine. Many residents attended the commission meeting to oppose the plan, and they prevailed in the end. There were more than 70 residents of the area who came to the meeting to oppose the mine. Several voiced concerns about safety and property value. Other concerns from residents were also worried about noise, dust and trucks traveling back and forth on the backroads near the intersection of Mulberry and Rosemark roads. The intersection is located about a mile and half off of Austin Peay Highway. About a decade ago, a similar plan was proposed and was rejected. With an all-new commission and a revamped plan, Memphis Sand and Gravel Co. tried to get the mine again. Commissioner Amber Mills, who represents the district with the proposed mine, urged her fellow commissioners to reject this plan, which they did. Representatives from Memphis Sand and Gravel Co. said throughout the meeting that without this site approved, they would have to relocate to Tate County in Mississippi. The company has been located in Memphis for more than 109 years, so they wanted the commission to help them not leave the county. A Memphis Sand and Gravel Co. representative said the company will have to go to Mississippi, possibly forcing the gravel price up.
Memphis Sand and Gravel Co. could take the issue to court, as they did when rejected eight years ago.
