Planning commission will hold public hearing on UMore gravel mining

Talk about it

The Rosemount Planning Commission is in the process of amending the city’s mining ordinance to make way for mining on the University of Minnesota’s UMore property. To get resident feedback, the commission will hold a public hearing at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 28 at city hall.

The hearing will be the first opportunity to provide public comment on the proposed gravel mining on the UMore Park property. Staff has recommended that the Planning Commission continue the public hearing to the March 27 planning commission meeting to evaluate the comments received.

The University of Minnesota has partnered with Dakota Aggregates to mine 1,722 acres on the western edge of its UMore Park property in Rosemount and Empire Township. The mining will be done in phases over 40 years.

The university will receive royalties from the sale of materials. Proceeds will be place in a fund to will support special academic pursuit.

According to a letter sent out to residents in the Bloomfield and Enclave neighborhoods, it is anticipated the city council will review the planning commission’s recommendation for the ordinance amendment in April. The Bloomfield and Enclave neighborhoods are the most affected by the potential mining.

Once the ordinance amendment is approved, Dakota Aggregates will be able to apply for a mining permit. At that time, there will be another public hearing before the planning commission and residents will have another opportunity to speak.

Residents with questions can call Eric Zweber at 651-322-2052.

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