Posted by economybooster (anonymous) on June 30, 2009 at 7:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Go quarry!

Posted by noquarry (anonymous) on June 30, 2009 at 11:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"Go Away Quarry"

Posted by worried (anonymous) on July 1, 2009 at 8:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

You say go away quarry, are you saying that Vincent so well off that it does not need the extra income that would be gained from the jobs that would be generated from this company??

Bet you would not say no to the free money for the schools would you?? Then again you may...................

Posted by Shelbycitizen (anonymous) on July 1, 2009 at 8:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Looks like someone is finally helping us with our schools.

Posted by noquarry (anonymous) on July 1, 2009 at 12:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Worried

When both your water and air are polluted and your property is full of sink holes and a member of your family or a friend is sentenced with Lung Disease because they live near a limestone quarry, will the (your words) extra income gained from the jobs and free money for the schools still excite you?

I am not opposed to positive opportunity and progress for Vincent. I am opposed to destroying beautiful land just for the dollars. If this 1000 acres the Vecellio group has purchased could be developed into something environmentally good/safe for the people, the earth and the air, etc. I could feel differently. But, I do have a problem with blasting for 100 years and leaving the earth wasted beyond recognition.

As for the (again your words) free money for the schools, I am sure the donation is needed and appreciated. And, I hope other departments in town (Fire & Rescue) benefit from the generosity of the Vecellio group before the "courting phase" ends.

Again, I am not opposed to progress I am opposed to this proposed limestone quarry.

Posted by EM (anonymous) on July 1, 2009 at 3:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Noquarry -- on what facts are you basing your comments regarding water and air being polluted and lung disease being a direct result of a limestone quarry? I've family and friends living near a quarry, and have been for some time. None have been diagnosed with lung disease (although I have had a few friends and family members, living quite far away from any quarry, who have), nor has their been any problems with the surrounding waters. In fact, their property values in that area continue only to increase and the benefits to the community have been wonderful.

I'm willing to listen to what you (or anyone) have to say, because I want to make an educated (not emotional and uninformed) decision, and your word alone won 't do. And if people would take the time to actually listen and learn, the "courting phase" as you call it could turn into a permanent source of revenue for the community, which is desparately needed.

Posted by CCRIPTIDE (anonymous) on July 1, 2009 at 4:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

IT SURE IS NICE TO HAVE RICH NEIGHBORS. ESPECIALLY WHEN THEY WANT TO DOANTE MONEY TO THE SCHOOLS. WOW! WONDER WHAT ELSE WE WILL GET? BOY OH BOY I CAN HARDLY WAIT FOR CHRISTMAS!

BUT THE FACT IS.... IT'S STILL A ROCK QUARRY. WE KNOW WHAT A ROCK QUARRY DOES TO A COMMUNITY. IT'S ALREADY BEEN HAPPENING. TOO MANY FAMILIES HAVE BEEN SACRIFICED. TOO MANY FRIENDSHIPS HAVE BEEN BROKEN. WE HAVE ALREADY HAD TO SAY "GOODBYE CARLISLE ROAD". SOME OF THOSE PEOPLE HAVE FARMED THIS LAND FOR 70 YEARS. WHAT A SHAME.

WHAT'S NEXT? FARWELL BATES ROAD? FAREWELL TO THE RIVER LOOP? WHAT ABOUT THE FAMILIES THAT LIVE HERE? I DON'T WANT TO MOVE.

Posted by vincentparent (anonymous) on July 1, 2009 at 4:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The girls softball needs a field at the high school. hint hint

Posted by worried (anonymous) on July 1, 2009 at 6:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I do not have any medical facts based on a study...

All I know is my in-laws have lived near a quarry were limestone is mined for almost 50 years and they have not had lung disease. Plus my father in-law worked for over 25 years in that quarry before he rertired. He is 75 years old and going strong. I just hope that I will be able to be like him at his age.

This is all that I can base my study on..

Were can the study be found relating quarries to lung disease so I can study it. I do want to be informed when it comes to my families heath. Thanks

Posted by noquarry (anonymous) on July 1, 2009 at 8:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

My comments are indeed emotional. As to uninformed -- all you need do is search lung disease and limestone quarry dust to become informed on the possible effects. Of course, everyone in the community is not going to become ill and folks will have lung problems who are not associated with a quarry. I may be uninformed -- but even I can come to that conclusion all by myself! All smokers will not develope lung disease and some non-smokers will -- it is the same principle.

I am not on my word alone (referenced in above post) trying to accomplish anything more than express my opinions. You don't have to agree. I don't agree with other post (pro/con) but I do respect the different opinions.

The quarry situation is my first time to post comments and I did not understand the competition involved. Other posters made general comments -- so I assumed it was fair to do the same. I did not realize you needed to quote from studies and reference material. I apologize, if I abused the "post comment" guidelines.

Posted by noquarry462 (anonymous) on July 1, 2009 at 8:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

For $45,000 Vincent is bought? A paultry $45,000 when these people will make a billion dollar profit. $45,000 dollars when this quarry will destroy property values for miles around.
But then why waste money, cause they know once they get they quarry started, every one will move away and there won't be any need for no stinkin school.

Posted by jsj (anonymous) on July 1, 2009 at 8:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Same MO as the Chem-Lime Calera quarry (only the "donation" in Calera was contingent on zoning and permit approval). I would encourage anyone interested in the potential quarry in Vincent to begin your research with Steven Bradley and Associates. Mr. Bradley, a lobbyist and administrator of several PAC's that donate HEAVILY to Shelby County politicians, was also referred to as the "spokesman" for Chem-Lime with the Calera quarry. What Mr. Bradley is in reality is a hired gun that specializes in managing the media and shaping public opinions for his high profile clients that wish to open nuisance operations. Be on the lookout for the following code words: good neighbors, small vocal minority, economic development, state of the art mining technology and many others. You can go back and search the articles from the Calera situation and I suspect you can predict the next move. Good luck, but i have a feeling this one is already in the bag.

Posted by forlove (anonymous) on July 1, 2009 at 9:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

noquarry,

For years everyone has known that our schools are in need of money. When Shelby county school system needs to cut, Vincent is the first on the list. When there is extra money in the budget, Vincent schools are the last to be considered for the proceeds. Here is someone that is willing to donate the needed money to our schools. I ask you, where were you when the schools needed to raise money?

My guess is you said "That is what I pay taxes for". The fact of the matter is that the taxes you pay goes SOME WHERE ELSE. Only when it effects you personally do you want to have your voice heard.

Posted by noquarry (anonymous) on July 1, 2009 at 11:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

forlove

This is not someone willing to donate the needed money to the school. It is a business!

And, when do you want to have your voice heard -- when it does not affect you?

Posted by NO_QUARRY (anonymous) on July 2, 2009 at 9:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

THIS IS THE SAME OLD TUNE WE CONTINUE TO HEAR WHEN MINNING COMPANIES APPEAR ON THE SCENE. I PERSONALLY DO NOT THINK THAT MONEY FOR SCHOOLS COMPENSATES FOR DECREASED SAFETY ON THE ROADS, ROAD REPAIR COSTS, LOSS OF WATER AND DESTRUCTION OF QUALITY OF LIFE----NOT TO MENTION BLASTING, NOISE AND MANY OTHER ISSUES.

Posted by quarry_neighbor (anonymous) on July 2, 2009 at 1:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I live very near a quarry. They are not good neighbors. In the phase you are in (the courting phase), they are on their best behavior - polite, generous, smiling, comforting.

When the quarry starts - everything changes. Your concerns are no longer their concerns. Their concern is making money and lots of it. They really don't care if you don't like the noise, the dust, the earth-shaking blasts, the deadly traffic (yes - we've already had a man die from being T-boned by a dump truck), the potholes in the roads, the destruction of habitat, the pollution of water.

You just became a sucker!

People of Vincent, if you're that easily bought - maybe you deserve a quarry. Sorry - but I've heard it all before, and now I'll live with it for the rest of my life . . . unless there's somebody stupid enough to buy my property and let me get away from it.

Posted by Shelbycitizen (anonymous) on July 2, 2009 at 2:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

No Quarr, you obviously did not go to the open house. They said that 95 percent of the aggregate is going out via rail...not truck. The quarry is going to cause potholes in the roads? In case you haven't driven on most any road in Vincent...there are potholes everywhere. As to lung disease, most of those studies address "occupational dieseases"...meaning being exposed to significant dust at work. I am open to listen, but show me the one study that shows illness as the result of dust on the residents. Also, if they exist, they would likely be based on older quarries that do not have covered conveyor belts. At the open house, they said that they were even going to load the trains inside a building to keep dust down. The nation just hit its highest jobless number in 26 years...and you have already made you mind up that you don't want the jobs...I bet you already have one.

Posted by vincentparent (anonymous) on July 2, 2009 at 3:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

here are some facts for you.

1. Vincent is the oldest school and the ONLY school in the County to be combined middle/high.
2. When it rains water comes up through the drains in the weight room and the kids have to wade through it to get to the equipment.
3. The girls have no softball field, they must catch a bus going by the local park 3 miles down the road with NO adult supervision until after all buses have ran and their coach can come to the park.
4. The girls must change clothes in the OPEN dug outs because there is no restrooms or locker rooms at the local ball park available. The restrooms are locked.
5. ALL THE GRANT MONEY ISSUED last year from the county and all Vincent middle/high got was a renovated restroom on the middleschool hall. Look online BOE website you'll see it.
6. Our funding was cut over 70%. How much did other schools get cut.
7. Our lights on the football field need repairing, we had to rent lighting equipment to light one side of the field.
8. Our lunch prices are the same as everyone else in this county but yet we are lower income with less funding.

I could go on and on and on.

SO TELL ME WHAT DOES YOUR TAX MONEY GO FOR.

Not Vincent Schools thats for sure.

Posted by ahappymom (anonymous) on July 2, 2009 at 6:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I find it humorous that so many "concerned citizens" are up in arms over the "potential" environmental hazards. Where were all of you during the Alabama Plating years? Have I missed all the town hall meetings, yard signs, concerned citizen petitions, etc? You people are ludicrous. You stand behind the banner of "safety for our environment" yet you have done NOTHING about the documented, real hazards that you are living with. What hypocrites you are.

Posted by noquarry (anonymous) on July 2, 2009 at 9:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I also find it humorous that a township so up in arms over the environmental hazards of Alabama Plating years ago are now so welcoming of a Limestone quarry. It does seem ludicrous.

Also, is it the school academic departments in need of the Quarry donations or the school athletics departments?

Should the Quarry project provide the Vincent School Systems with for instance a new ball field, band room , lights for the football complex, etc. how will that improve the quality of education?

Posted by ahappymom (anonymous) on July 2, 2009 at 10:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Noquarry...your love for your local school is overwhelming. I imagine that you think it is fair that in a public system, children at every other school have opportunities that children in "your home town" do not have access to. I never said anything about the schools needing upgrades, but why do you think that "your local children" don't deserve such?

The environmental hazards created by Alabama Plating are facts. Not speculation based on things that happened at other plating locations across the country. It happened. Are you seriously going to sit by clinging to the "chance" that something bad "might happen" with the quarry, and do/say nothing about what DID HAPPEN for years in your backyard? You and the rest of our concerned citizens, or whatever else you people are calling your committees are perfect examples of focusing on the speck in the eye of someone else while ignoring the plank in your own eye.

Posted by forlove (anonymous) on July 2, 2009 at 10:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

noquarry,

Again I ask you, Where were you when the Vincent schools asked for help? This also effects you for your children and/or your friends and family's children. When someone wants to help financially all you want to do is to criticize them. If the schools had the local support they needed, an outside company's donation would not be required.

As far as your statement "It is a business!". All businesses, whether for profit or non-profit is managed by people that choose to help or not. I ask you how many other businesses (including non-profit ) has donated money to our schools?

Posted by Shelbycitizen (anonymous) on July 3, 2009 at 8:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

What does athletics have to do with academics? That really is a shallow questions. I agree with VincentParent. Talk to any teacher or administrator and they will tell you that it hurts kids education when they know they have less than other schools. When the high school team goes to play at other schools and see that "hey, they have a locker room" or "wow, look at the girls softball field" or "wow look at their weight room" or ...the list goes on, kids are less likely to be successful in academics or even stay in school. That is a fact for you. I know this likely has nothing to do with the quarry, but I wanted to comment. Happy 4th!!!

Posted by vincentparent (anonymous) on July 3, 2009 at 8:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

We at Vincent have been for YEARS trying to get help with upgrades from the county, we've begged and begged to be told there is no funding.

There have been several new schools built in this county so the funding was there somewhere. Calera was built a brand new high school with (2) count them (2) labs and vincent doesnt even have 1 lab in their school. Thats educational.

Why should our girls be put at risk with no supervision having to go to a local ball park to practice when EVERY other school in this county has a softball park on school or next to school grounds. I CALLED EVERY SCHOOL IN THIS COUNTY AND ASKED.

Why did Montevallo and Shelby County get up grades/up level added to their gyms and we are still stuck with our little bitty gym, thats not educational.

These people are not stupid they know to get our approval they need to help our kids and as long as they are helping our kids i'm all for it. ATLEAST someone is helping our kids. It sure is not this county. They could care less if our kids are stepping in water or breathing in mole air in the weigh room.

I betcha Chelesa or Shelby County or Calera in that new school doesnt have water coming up through their drain system in the weight room.

Posted by vincentparent (anonymous) on July 3, 2009 at 9:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Shelbycitizen is 100% correct the enviroment you are in effects your learning. People kick you enough when your down you tend to stay down.

You can split hairs all you want to, you can say what you want about people in Vincent but they put their pants on just like every other person in this county, they pay the same % of taxes just like every other person in this county their kids deserve just as much as every other school in this county has.

If it takes this company to get what we need for our kids then by all means i will shake the hand and kiss the ground these people walk on plain and simple.

Posted by jsj (anonymous) on July 3, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

based on the comments, giving money "for the kids" has at least been partly successful in deflecting the conversation from the real issue. Again, Mr. Bradley is an expert puppet master. I can not stress this point enough, the quarry and the money for the schools are 2 separate issues. My guess is there will be more conversation at the next meeting about the schools than the quarry. Divide and conquer.

Posted by vincentparent (anonymous) on July 3, 2009 at 11:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

See JSJ thats where you are mistaken,

we are not puppets, we know exactly what the deal is.

The company looked at the weakness of the local community and where the strongest need would be and went after it. It was strickly a business move anyone would have done it. People who run for office do it everyday.

The real sad part is the need would have never been there in the first place had the county taken care of us.

Anything that brings the Vincent Schools Needs to the front of the agenda i am all for.

Posted by jsj (anonymous) on July 3, 2009 at 5:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

With all due respect, vincentparent, I think you may have just proved my point. Please do not misunderstand, I understand the plight of the local schools and I do have a great deal of empathy for your situation but the financial shortfall and the quarry are 2 separate issues .

Posted by noquarry (anonymous) on July 3, 2009 at 5:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I totally agree with jsj -- thank you.

Posted by economybooster (anonymous) on July 4, 2009 at 8:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

WE need some Go Quarry signs & t-shirts

Posted by economybooster (anonymous) on July 5, 2009 at 10:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Please note over 1/2 of the people against the quarry or showing up at meetings does NOT live in the city limits of Vincent. The individuals that don't show up are probably in favor of the quarry or feel it will not have a direct impact upon them. If you are in favor of the quarry then we will need to become vocal & rally behind the quarry.

Posted by EM (anonymous) on July 6, 2009 at 2:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The quarry and the financial shortfalls of the community are entwined. I have begun making a pros/cons list regarding the quarry (which I would hope every concerned resident is doing in order to make an informed decision). A boost to our economy and money for our schools is a "pro" on that list. Those of you so adamantly against the quarry, are any of you willing to admit any positive contributions by the proposed quarry? Or are you so closed-minded that you refuse to look at both sides of the issue? I'm not saying you must agree with my (or anyone else's) opinions, nor am I saying that you're not entitled to feel the way you do. I am simply a strong believer in looking at both sides and I feel like that's not what is happening here. I intend to get both sides of the story at the next open house this month, and I hope all the concerned citizens will be there, not only to be heard, but to also listen.

Posted by Shelbycitizen (anonymous) on July 6, 2009 at 5:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

JSJ, with all due respect, I disagree with you. How are the benefits of the quarry (i.e., help with our schools) a completely seperate issue from the quarry. But for the quarry, there would be no help (other than the county) for the schools. But for the quarry, there would be no new jobs. But for the quarry Vincent will continue to be unable to pave streets due to a lack of general funds. this list could go on and on. How are those seperate issues? Those opposing the quarry might try and seperate the pros and say they are unrelated because those very people don't want others to consider and weight the positive impact of bussiness and industry coming to any town. It simply doesn't fit their agenda.

Posted by Quarry (anonymous) on July 6, 2009 at 8:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Shelbycitizen, You are an idiot. You want to save your job?You would not work at the quarry. You want to whin about Vincent Schools if in some way you not benifit from it. Your agenda does not have nothing to do with the quarry . A lot of people who went to Vincent High School had no air conditioning, NO GYM only a field house. Water was every were. Heat was a cold burning furnace. You are a disquisting person.

Posted by economybooster (anonymous) on July 6, 2009 at 9:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Go Quarry!

Posted by DMD (anonymous) on July 7, 2009 at 3:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey Quarry (anonymous),
Did Vincent High have any English teachers when you were a student?

Posted by Shelbycitizen (anonymous) on July 8, 2009 at 11:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

WOW Quarry....A little anger there? So your argument is that "because others who went to school in Vincent years ago had nothing, current Vincent school children should have nothing as well?" I hope those opposing the quarry pick you as their leader...The quarry will be up and running in no time. I am amazed that you think that I am "disquisting" (whatever that is) simply because you cannot think of anything to support your argument--not even an English word. I will not stoop to the level of name calling. I will base my opinion on facts regarding the project--I only hope other people will do the same.

Posted by quarry_neighbor (anonymous) on July 8, 2009 at 4:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm speed reading a lot of these comments - so I'm not trying to be all inclusive in my comments.

Based on my experience of living near a quarry for the past seven years - this I know....

- we were promised lots of jobs - I think there are about a dozen quarry employees and many of those people were transferred to our quarry from another city and/or state (that is - not many local people got those "great" jobs)

- our quarry went straight to our local county schools (also badly in need of funds) with handouts - they painted one school, put gravel in the parking lot, gave a little money here, a little money there - nothing too educational or significant in my opinion considering the money they're making

- a lot of our quarry's rock goes out by rail also, but I still pass about eight dump trucks in the less than five minutes I'm on the main highway each work day (do the math - that's a lot of dump trucks)

- during the building phase of the quarry, expect lots of truck traffic. Our local roads (which had held up well since their last resurfacing in the 70's) are very damaged now. Guess who gets to make millions to fix them? Yep - the trucking companies! And where do they get their materials? Yep - the new quarry! This is the best circular money-making scheme in the world.

I suspect that several of the people who are pushing the quarry in this Comment section are in some way involved financially - they sold land to the quarry or they work for a trucking company or they work for the quarry / mining industry.

Not everyone has to suffer when a quarry locates in your town. The people who suffer the most are the ones who live close by. Unfortunately, the man who lies dead in his grave was just passing through our little "quarry town" the day he died.

I don't live in Vincent, so I guess I don't have a dog in this fight. But I used to live in Vincent about 30 years ago, so that's why I'd like to warn you about how quarries act when they're trying to locate in your town, and the bitter realities of living with them every day for decades.

Posted by noquarry (anonymous) on July 8, 2009 at 8:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

quarry neighbor

Thank you for your personal story (information) on your quarry neighbor. I appreciate you sharing the ugly facts. Continue to support us as we move forward with our NO QUARRY efforts.