Gravel decision will live on a long time
Residents of Cary feel betrayed and ashamed by the actions of their village board members. In voting to allow a Zurich-based mining company to dig a gravel pit in the backyard of a residential neighborhood, the board ignored the pleas and wishes of the entire community.
The safety and economic well-being of the people in our neighborhood were exchanged for a sum of annual blood money, payable to the village.
The "pain" we will feel, as quoted by Tom Kierna, will not just be lost home values or a dusty road. It is a medical fact that increased levels of circulating silicone particles increase the risk of respiratory illness in our children. But the board didn't even bother to investigate.
This is coupled with an admitted risk to the water supply, noise and heavy machinery right next to yards where children play.
No matter what board members tell us or themselves, they took the easy road. The choice was between siding with the people to preserve a healthy and vibrant lifestyle or selling out to a faceless mining operation in exchange for a ridiculous $250,000 a year.
None of the other details matter to Cary residents. The board's decision will not only result in health risks and economic hardships for the Fox Trails residents. It has also harmed us emotionally and shaken our belief in the democratic process.
Remember, by the people and for the people?
One board member admitted her vote was driven by advice from the village attorney. They may not get sued by the mining company, but I foresee other lawsuits on the horizon.
There is absolutely no excuse for putting our children in danger. They have no right.
They may be able to live with the decision they have made, but the fight is long from over.
R.J. Lasek
Cary