The Geary County Commission has upheld a Metropolitan Planning Commission recommendation to deny a conditional use permit to reopen a former rock quarry just west of Junction City.

Jim Didas wanted to reopen the quarry site, which has been closed since the 1960’s to obtain rock for Fort Riley and other area projects. Nearby residents were strongly opposed, citing concerns about the impact of blasting on water wells, and concerns about noise, dirt, and traffic.

Craig Paxton was among those opposed. He felt the County took the right action. “To me it was the thing to do. There was a lot of argument on the other side that we don’t understand their reasons, and that we’re against quarries. That’s not the case.”  Paxton added, You just don’t bring in an industrial occupancy 50 years later into an area that’s as populated as it is now.”

JCPost.com asked Didas if this was the end of the issue or if he would pursue legal action? “I’ve got to discuss that with my attorney.”  When asked if it was something to consider he responded by saying, “Yes.”

Didas’ attorney, Vernon Jarbo, told the County Commission no one can say scientifically that blasting will cause a problem or won’t. He also noted he had checked a series of cities where rock quarries existed and there were residential improvements next to those quarries. They included Wichita, Kansas City Missouri, St. Charles Missouri, and Thornton Illinois.