10/20/2024
**🚨 Say NO to Concrete Batch Plants in Kings Mountain! 🚨**
On October 29th, the City of KM will hold a public hearing and then vote on a zoning UDO text amendment to allow concrete batch plants to be constructed in many areas of our city. During a recent city council meeting, KM Planning Director, Henry Earle, gave a presentation regarding the negative effects of this zoning text amendment as well as alternatives to help minimize the hazardous public health & environmental dangers that these plants pose. We commend Mr. Earle for his thorough research and for looking out for the health & safety of the citizens of Kings Mountain. Our own planning board voted unanimously "in favor" of this zoning change that could potentially put 25 concrete batch plant sites within Kings Mountain's city limits and/or ETJ. When asked on their application why they're applying for this UDO text amendment, the applicant stated, "To reduce delivery times and cost."
🚨**Is it worth health complications in our children and elderly so a private company can "reduce their cost?" There are other batch plants in the area that can handily supply concrete needs.
🚨**Do we want to add 150 concrete trucks per day rolling down our city streets?
🚨**What benefit will the city receive from this concrete batch plant, including if it's constructed in the ETJ?
🚨**If you are in favor of the plant in KM, should we require additional safeguards to protect our health & environment? (Of course, the representative for the batch plant states these additional safeguards are not necessary)
**Council members Annie Thombs and Shearra Miller are commended for questioning this UDO text amendment and suggesting these requests may be better served via a Special Use Permit.
Concrete batch plants pose serious risks to our health and environment. These plants release harmful pollutants like particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can cause respiratory issues, heart disease, and even cancer. According to the **EPA**, fine particles from these plants are small enough to get deep into the lungs, posing significant risks, especially to children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions.
Beyond health, these plants also degrade air quality, contribute to noise pollution, and increase heavy truck traffic—making our streets less safe. Our community deserves clean air, safe roads, and a better quality of life. 🌳
Let’s urge our City Council to prioritize public health and protect our environment by rejecting the establishment of concrete batch plants in our neighborhoods. Together, we can ensure a safer, healthier future for our families. 💪
