Clay neighbors still without answers to concerns on proposed concrete plant

CLAY, N.Y. — Clay neighbors filled up every seat of the town boardroom to make their voices heard Monday night. The controversy comes over a so-called dustless concrete manufacturing plant.

It’s going to take a lot of convincing of the public before everyone is on board with the plans for a site off Wetzel Road — and so far — not enough convincing has been done.

Monday night was just the third public hearing regarding the concrete batch plant, giving Goguen Drive Realty LLC ample time to answer concerns voiced by neighbors.

Town of Clay residents are concerned about potential concrete batch plant

Many people in attendance wore a sticker, sending a clear message about their stance on the proposed state-of-the-art concrete batch plant.

“Residents are not opposed to the making of concrete,” said one neighbor. “We do have an issue of the special permit of I-1. Why should he be allowed to remain in the I-1 area? It compromises the integrity of 1,700-plus or minus homes, the parks, the schools and the natural wetland.”

Each public comment was followed by applause after applause.

“Why has the preparation been so poor for this permit?” questioned Kara Greene. “ I have literally seen better research and preparation for my daughter's senior high school projects.”

“Does the dust affect dogs?” asked another neighbor. “Does it affect plants? Does it affect wildlife? When you say you’re looking for the environmental impact — to what?”

“Are we willing to take on this medical risk where we can possibly be giving more children asthma?" questioned one neighbor who works in the health field. “More cardiac arrests?”

It's been weeks since the plans were brought to the town board to build a facility that combines raw materials to create ready-mix concrete.

Since then, more than 600 Clay neighbors have signed a petition against it and they say they hope board members represent their interests.

As for the partners of Goguen Drive Realty LLC, they say they’re willing to go above and beyond to build this safely and responsibly.

“This is really a public hearing,” said the project engineer. “The opportunity for the public to speak to the board. We really won’t be able to offer very many comments back tonight. Once again I apologize, we’d love to be able to answer all the questions but we have to let the studies be completed before we provide answers.”

They claim studies on air quality, noise, traffic, stormwater, etc. are in the process.

Still, a final decision on the plant was just not possible on Monday.

With such an overwhelming response from neighbors, the town board has no choice but to schedule another public hearing. They’re asking the applicants to be able to provide answers about everything discussed by next month.