Real Estate Blog - NOT IN MY BACKYARD

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NOT IN MY BACKYARD

I recently read where several towns amended their zoning to eliminate mining; because they wanted to avoid the construction of gravel pit mining in their community. At that moment I realized I did not know much about the gravel industry, so I decided to do a little research.

The economic contribution to communities around the country is substantial; but more and more people do not want gravel pits in their backyard; and why not?

They are usually unattractive,
Causes noise and dust pollution
Increased traffic, to name a few.

The only problem is, we depend on gravel even more than we know. Did you know it takes about 90 tons of gravel material to build a 6 room house? And 85,000 tons for each mile of 4 lane highway?

Here are some common usages of gravel:

•1. Driveway construction

•2. Septic construction

•3. Used in concrete

•4. Landscaping

•5. Used in Pool installation

•6. Road construction

I then discovered that there are many types of gravel and each type has a specific purpose; for instance only a certain type is approved for septic installation.

So do we declare not in my backyard; yet continue to build bigger and bigger homes, larger pools and longer driveways? Will gravel become an imported item just like oil? Only time will tell.

THIS PHOTO IS OF A RECLAIMED LAND ONCE MINING WAS COMPLETED

Posted by Jennifer Fivelsdal, Fishkill NY on 12/14/2006 11:19 PM

Comments (6)

realtor, real estate, environment, new york, gravel

Originally posted at: Rhinebeck Living: NOT IN MY BACKYARD

6 Comments on NOT IN MY BACKYARD

DEC

2006

The reclaimed photo looks great. I suppose the question is, what does it look like in full mining operation mode?

Jay & Francy thanks for the comment. In full operation it was rather unattractive, dusty and noisy.

Great post Jennifer, and you're smart to research what you don't know instead of making stuff up! =) It's kinda like landfills...they are necessary evils if we want to live in a disposable society.

That is so true.

DEC

2006

LOcal communities need to be careful when they seek to use zoning to eliminate economic activity. Mining operateions are big tax payers. When they go, who is left to pick up the tab. Most of these big operations have been around for years. Most have also improved their environmental impact either by social or regulatory pressure.

NIMBY's frighten me because they get many people in an uproar without thinking out all the facts and their economic impact. They are the same people who want town services improved and increased while reducing taxes. NIMBY's are often Newbies. They are the last into the town and want to change it to the way they want it.

I'll stop before I get too excited. As always your information is excellent.

Great post.

Thanks John

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