Skaneateles to extend mining moratorium
The Skaneateles Town Board plans to extend for 60 days a mining moratorium scheduled to expire next month.
The sharply divided board debated Wednesday night whether it should allow mining north of Old Seneca Turnpike, as the latest comprehensive plan provides; not allow it there; or approve one of two proposals Town Engineer Douglas Wickman offered Jan. 4. One alternative would limit mining to existing sites. The other would expand the mining area.
While the town board has to develop a mining policy for the entire town, the current debate centers on a proposal by Cemento LLC to open a new operation on 79 acres it owns on the north side of Stump Road, between Foster and Kingston roads. Cemento operates the Sandy Hill sand and gravel mine on 12 acres on the south side of Stump Road.
Before the extension can take effect, the board will have to hold a public hearing at its Feb. 1 meeting and approve it as a local law.
Source: www.syracuse.com
