Wrong path

When it comes to protecting families and private property, the Flathead County Board of Adjustment got it all wrong on Dec. 16.

In a split decision, the Board upheld Planning Director Forrest Sanderson's ill-advised decision to take a hands-off approach to gravel pits. For 11 years the county has required that pit operators demonstrate their sites are compatible with neighborhoods through a permit process.

Last Thursday, amid a stunned audience of working families and retirees, the board took the leash off the gravel pit industry.

If you think this is no big deal, consider living or owning property next to a gravel pit. Take it from me-the noise, traffic, fumes and mess are real problems that cross property lines.

Sanderson and County Attorney Jonathan Smith erred greatly in bringing this issue to the Board of Adjustment. Rather than defend the custom and culture (as well as legal precedent) of the County,s policy, they caved in to industry demands. Now gravel pits are free to open anywhere in Flathead County not explicitly zoned "Residential." If you live in an "Agricultural" zone, you could be getting an industrial new neighbor, and have nothing to say about it.

This decision has huge consequences. New gravel pits, as well as established ones, need no longer comply with conditions on hours of operation, noise, dust or fume levels, or even whether to locate near schools, hospitals, businesses or next to residential areas so long as they are located in areas zoned "Agricultural."

The Board could have chosen the conservative path. Instead they chose a radical one.

It would be nice if Mr. Sanderson and Mr. Smith had the fortitude to defend citizens, rights as forcefully as they defended the gravel industry.

County Commissioners, please take note!

Wendy Anderson

Bigfork