Planning Commission tables special request to crush rocks

BESSEMER TOWNSHIP - The Bessemer Township Planning Commission held a meeting on Tuesday to address Gerald Lukach's special approval permit for rock crushing.

After much discussion, the commission ultimately approved to table the permit and wait until they hear back from their attorney. Then they will vote on the matter during a special meeting on Thursday, Aug. 20.

According to the agenda, Lukach's pit is located between Powderhorn and Black River Roads. At his pit site, there are access roads that connect to the public roads.

In his submitted special request permit, Lukach requested to crush gravel from an existing pit to continue proper maintenance over time of access roads. In all, Lukach claimed he is going to crush plus or minus 10,000 cubic yards yards of gravel over a span of two to three days of crushing.

With the crushed gravel, Lukach said he's going to use it on his private road.

To open public comment, Lukach said the site has been used for gravel for a while and the existing crushed gravel is running low.

Concerned about the effects of the pit, local citizens attended the meeting to express their opinions.

During the meeting, Dean Spagnoletti said he was worried that gravel pits are hurting the community.

"I don't know where all these gravel pits are popping up from overnight," he said. "The gravel pit next to my house has a dust problem. I don't know what it is with gravel pit people, I think it's about time the home owners get a say and protection."

To agree, John Verbos held up dust from a gravel pit his wife collected from their house and asked what the benefits of pits are.

"As a resident, we're told to suck it up," he said. "My road sucks, my taxes don't go down. My problem is that every time a truck comes, I get dust in my house."

In response, Lukach said his gravel pit is surrounded by more than a quarter forrest, so there will be no dust or noise.

"You got so much buffer around us, so you won't hear crushing," he said.