Imagine waking up every morning to the sound of heavy machinery and the sight of dust clouds settling over your home and neighborhood. For residents of Woodstock and surrounding areas, this could soon become reality if the City Council approves the proposed expansion of the gravel mining pit and asphalt/concrete recycling operation on Lily Pond Road, extending it to McConnell Road, less than 250 feet from long-established neighborhoods and a City park. This is not just a matter of inconvenience, but a direct threat to public health, safety, and quality of life. 

The proposed gravel mining pit and recycling operation poses significant health risks, primarily due to the dust it will generate. According to the American Lung Association and OSHA, dust from such operations can contain harmful particulates that exacerbate asthma and other respiratory issues. Exposure to these particulates has been linked to long-term health consequences, including silicosis and lung cancer. These dangers disproportionately affect seniors, the immuno-compromised and children.

Beyond health concerns, the expansion jeopardizes our access to clean air and water. Dust, debris and runoff could contaminate local water supplies, putting drinking water at risk. Increased heavy truck traffic will bring higher noise levels, road damage, congestion and poses a safety hazard to nearby residents. Numerous studies show that living near gravel pits and industrial mining lowers property values and diminishes overall neighborhood desirability. This project threatens not only our health, but also the financial investment families have made in their homes and community.

At the end of mining operations, taxpayers—not the operator—will be left footing the bill for land reclamation. The promise of a future recreational lake is speculative, projected 15 years away, and would cost the operator nothing, while potentially costing taxpayers millions of dollars to construct and maintain. This is a risky and irresponsible trade-off.

Our community deserves better.

Our local government has a duty to protect residents by prioritizing the well-being of its citizens above short-term economic and industrial gains. Approving this expansion would set a dangerous precedent that industrial interests outweigh the right to a safe and healthy community. The City Council has the authority to deny the annexation, rezoning and special-use permits in this proposal. We urge them to exercise this authority judiciously and reject the Lily Pond Road gravel pit expansion.

Act Today — Sign the Petition.

A strong, unified community voice matters. By singing this petition, you send a clear message to the City Council: our health, homes, and environment are not negotiable.

Sign the petition today and help protect our community's future.

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