To the Planning Director, Jacob Gabell( jake.gabell@bonnercountyid.gov)

To the Planning Commissioners (planning@bonnercountyid.gov)

To the County Commioners (Asia.Williams@bonnercountyid.gov, Brian.Domke@bonnercountyid.gov, Ron.Korn@bonnercountyid.gov)

I am writing on behalf of a concerned group of neighbors who have united under the name Citizens Against Linscott Interstate Asphalt Plant. Our group was formed in 2018 due to ongoing attempts by the Linscotts to establish an asphalt plant at their gravel pit. These efforts date back to 1994, and we are deeply alarmed by the continued push to make this a reality.

Over the years, our neighborhood has already experienced the adverse effects of temporary asphalt plant when it was ran at the pit. Neighbors reported a range of health and environmental issues. One individual was unable to sleep due to the constant noise of the heater used to keep the asphalt hot. Another neighbor was forced to move after experiencing severe reactions that were later diagnosed as a formaldehyde allergy. Others have suffered from respiratory issues, when it ran during the few short months a few times. 

A significant concern is that the Linscott Gravel Pit is situated on non-conforming land. It is legally inappropriate for the pit to expand into something that would be more intrusive to the environment and to the surrounding neighborhood. This is not a case of a minor expansion’s this would mark a dramatic and harmful change. We, the neighbors, are tired of seeing the Linscotts continuously attempt to push the limits of zoning laws and land use regulations to further their own interests.

The most recent request by the Linscotts to change the zoning of the gravel pit from Rural 5 to Mixed Use, which would allow for an asphalt plant, is the final straw. This attempt to change the designation of the property would open the door for an asphalt plant to be permanently located in our community, with all the noise, pollution, and health risks that come with it. We cannot allow this change to happen.

In the past, due to the limitations of the land use laws, the Linscotts worked to have the laws revised, specifically in regard to non-conforming gravel pits in Bonner County. 

This, however, is not the only law the Linscotts have flouted. 

The Idaho Department of Lands found that the Linscott pit had misrepresented their reclamation plan and violated state regulations, leading to a penalty of $1.8 million. Shockingly, the Linscotts were allowed to pay only a $10,000 penalty for these serious infractions. This leniency undermines the integrity of our community and sends the wrong message about accountability.

Additionally, the Linscotts have demonstrated a complete disregard for their neighbors rights. They have been caught unlawfully stealing land from two neighboring property owners, both of whom successfully took legal action against the Linscotts and were compensated through undisclosed settlements. Such behavior is unacceptable and further illustrates the Linscott’s disregard for ethical standards.

Despite these violations and the continued harm caused by their actions, the Linscotts persist in attempting to change their property to allow for an asphalt plant. We ask the county to end this pursuit once and for all. The damage this plant would cause to the environment, our health, and the quality of life in this neighborhood should never be allowed.  

While we recognize the Linscotts as intelligent and capable individuals, we firmly oppose their ability to influence land use decisions to benefit themselves or their own agenda, especially when it directly impacts the well-being of our community. We urge the county to prioritize the health, safety, and quality of life of the people in this neighborhood over the Linscotts personal interests.

Thank you for your time and consideration. We trust that you will take the necessary steps to protect our community from this harmful proposal.

Sincerely,

Jonna Plante

For 

Citizens Against Linscott Interstate Asphalt Plant