Developer Pulls Plans for Controversial Rock Mine

HARRISBURG, NC — Great news for local families fighting a mining company that wanted to blast the property near their homes. We have learned that company has just pulled its plans.

The mayor of Harrisburg informed neighbors on a “No Mining in Harrisburg” Facebook page that has more than 1,000 supporters. The news has families ecstatic, but still a little weary of the instant plans to pull out and fear it might not be over.

“We are so excited,” said Harrisburg resident Rex Measmer. “I mean, we just we can’t believe it.”

Rex Measmer and his family and neighbors are celebrating news that 132 acres behind their home, for now, won’t become a rock mine. Engineering company Meade Gunnell just pulled its request, weeks after having the land approved for rezoning.

“There’s signs all over in Harrisburg, in Pharr Mill Road. I think we put enough pressure on him he left,” said Measmer.

Measmer says the company didn’t have to give them notice of the plans because of a 90 foot buffer from their land, but says it was still way to close for comfort.

“What does that do to my well? What does that do my foundation of my home? You know, blasting, just the everyday life: the dust, the noise,” said Measmer.

Shelley Collins lives next door. She also worried about the blasting plans, and remains cautiously optimistic.

“I’m very happy,” said Collins. “I’m elated with everyone else and ready to have hot dog and hamburger cookout, but still watching every day at county level, at city level, just making sure there’s nothing coming in on the sly.”

Measmer agrees, saying the community is ready to rally if other plans arise.

“We’re not giving up,” he said. “We don’t know if it will go to the county. If he does, we still go. Everybody said we’re not giving up, going to stay on top of this to make sure nothing unhealthy goes in our backyards.”

Though the company won the rezoning vote, the plans still had to pass city council. The meeting was planned for Tuesday, and many here say they will still go just to make sure this is a done deal.