County denies CUP for Knife River asphalt, ready mix plant
By Neal A. Shipman
Farmer Editor
Knife River Corporation is going to have to find an alternative location for their proposed asphalt hot mix plant and ready mix concrete plant after the McKenzie County commissioners narrowly denied their Conditional Use Permit (CUP) application on Tuesday, Oct. 15.
While the county Planning and Zoning Board had recommended the approval of the CUP, the commissioners objected to granting the permit on property zoned as agriculture, as well as health concerns of nearby residential developments.
While Commissioner Gene Veeder stated that it was the property owner’s right to sell to Knife River and that the proposed location was along the U.S. Highway 85 Bypass, which is where the county wants to see industrial development, other commissioners took a dim view on granting the CUP.
“It’s a double-edged sword,” stated Commissioner Howdy Lawlar. “We want to encourage residential development. But this application is close to residential areas. I don’t know if I’d want to build a house next to the plant.”
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