If you have information or have questions, email us here: GrundyCitizen@gmail.com

WHAT’S GOING ON?!

A 477 acre tract next to Timberwood Development south of Clouse Hill Road has been CLEAR CUT and being PREPARED to BEGIN BLASTING for sand extraction. This tract is right in the middle of over 140 residential properties and family farms and is in direct violation of the Grundy County Powers Act of 2019. There is even more quarry land involved in Grundy County, including 427 acres near Pelham. This is an OUTSIDE company with little interest in the well-being of Grundy County and the effort needs to be STOPPED IMMEDIATELY!

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

For decades now, Grundy County has allowed its precious resources to enrich outside interests while getting very little in return. These ‘extraction industries’ have provided few jobs, few taxes, and a legacy of scarred land, polluted water, and depleted soil. By just providing these raw materials to everyone else, Grundy County consistently ranks as the poorest of the 95 counties in the state.

IT HAS NOT BEEN A WINNING STRATEGY FOR GRUNDY.

The Grundy County mayor and commissioners recognized this and in 2019 established a County Powers Act specifically addressing sand, gravel, and rock quarries. It's all been part of an ongoing strategy to regulate 'nuisance' industries while promoting community growth and prosperity. And it appears to be working! While regulating and limiting destructive practices, the county has been working with the governor's office in the promotion of tourism. Ways to encourage people to spend their vacation time here. And just recently, the county moved off the bottom in the rankings. By providing a path for a sustainable future, local officials have finally addressed the fact that folks are clamoring to spend time here for the natural beauty and outdoor opportunities. Today, the state park stays full of hikers and climbers, there's tremendous interest in the MGT, and Coalmont has even established a ORV park. Local businesses are responding with restaurants, lodges, campgrounds, ziplines and music venues! Tiny home rentals are off the charts, and there is a constant demand for workers. People are actually wanting to MOVE here!

The State of Tennessee established the County Powers Act because it recognized the difficulty counties have in controlling their destiny. Zoning is difficult and unpopular! Understanding this, Grundy County's approach has been to focus on industries, not personal land ownership. And the reason sand, gravel, and rock quarries have been addressed is entirely for the benefit of its citizens. Far, far, worse than a 'nuisance,' thes industries literally pulverize our land and haul it away, leaving it bare and damaged. Anyone living nearby is subjected to a daily industrial onslaught. Rock blasting damages homes, produces constant noise and fine silica that scars the lungs. Heavy trucks destroy the roads and affect the safety of everyone. So the Mayor and Commissioners established an Act that prevents the development of a quarry witin 5,000 feet of a residential property boundary. They're not saying a quarry can't be established, they ARE saying that it needs to be away from home and business owners for their own health, safety, and peace of mind.

Tinsley Asphalt, LLC has taken advantage of weak laws concerning disclosure and has ignored the County’s permitting process. They have prepared land and plan to blast rock for sand. But additionally, there will be support for a truck wash, refueling center, and other industrial processes right in the middle of over 100 residences and small family farms. Is an asphalt plant far behind?

This will be the third blasting plant within 5 miles of Monteagle and it could be only the beginning. This asphalt company is investing millions, but they're by no means a large company. It's a different world today, with billion dollar holding companies ready to steal everything we have. Once they're in, they're in!

ONCE IT'S GONE, IT'S GONE FOREVER!

WHAT CAN I DO?

Contact the Grundy County mayor and commissioners and encourage them to use the County Powers Act to stop the operations on Clouse Hill and near Pelham. Review our website and send your thoughts and ideas to GrundyCitizen@gmail.com. Print this page and raise awareness!

Attend the Grundy County Workshops! The mayor and commissioners allow questions and it really encourages them to see concerned citizens!

VOTE IN THE PRIMARY AND GENERAL ELECTION! Mayor Brady has shown his willingness to protect the citizens of Grundy County and needs our support! Since the Republican ticket is running unopposed, the PRIMARY will be also be the mayoral election! Cast a vote for Mayor Brady!