A sign protesting a proposed mining project for the Iola Car Show grounds Jan. 4, 2023. PC: Fox 11 Online
WAUPACA, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — A proposed sand mine at the Iola Car Show grounds won the approval of the county’s Planning & Zoning Committee Tuesday.
The car show and Faulks Brothers Construction proposed to excavate sand and gravel on over 30 total acres of land for parking lots. Organizers of the car show backed the project as another revenue source to add financial stability for the show. Some neighbors raised concerns about the project, citing environmental and noise issues. The permit was rejected in August, but an appeal was filed.
At Tuesday’s hearing, more operational conditions were added before the panel voted 4-1 to approve the project. It was the last step needed for the mine’s approval.
Joe Opperman, executive director of the Iola Old Car Show, released this statement:
We are happy the permit was approved to allow us to proceed with this important project. We have a great local partner in Faulks Bros. who we trust will do an excellent job. The project will create significant improvements on our grounds that our customers will benefit from greatly, while providing a helpful revenue stream for the operation. It will also help Faulks Bros. to continue to serve our area at the high level we’ve all come to expect and appreciate from them.
The permitting process was long, painful and contentious for us and also for some of our neighbors who oppose the project. There is no joy for anyone in the frustrations suffered throughout the process, and we hope it’s something those in favor and those opposed can heal from over time.
Greg Ambrosius, representing the group opposed to the mine, issued this statement:
Today’s decision to approve the sand mine permit in the Township of Scandinavia was extremely disappointing and a gut punch to the residents of our community. The Waupaca County Planning and Zoning Committee already voted 3-2 to deny the permit, but after Faulks Bros. appealed two members changed their votes. How? There was no new evidence provided since the August 22nd vote, so how legally could any board member change their vote?
Guaranteed our neighborhood group will appeal this decision and we are working right now with a lawyer on the next step. All of the facts are on our side that this permit is NOT in compliance with the Township of Scandinavia’s Comprehensive Plan and thus NOT in compliance with Waupaca County Ordinance Chapter 34 and therefore NOT in compliance with Act 67. We will prove that before one shovel gets into the ground. This is NOT over.
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