Several plots of land could be annexed by the Black Hills city of Piedmont. It’s the latest effort activists and city leadership say could slow a seemingly imminent mine near the city.
A full crowd came to the Tuesday night Piedmont city Board of Trustees meeting, though no formal action has been taken on the annexation proposal.
The proposed limestone mine, which already received much of the proper paperwork, is slated to be located very close to residential areas essentially on the border of Piedmont city limits.
In total, nine landowners representing over a dozen lots ranging in size have requested full annexation into the community. Given the prominence and location of said lots, city leadership say this move could meaningfully slow the development of the mine.
The general thoughts were best exemplified by Board President Phil Anderson probing his community.
“Just to hear both sides of this, would everybody that’s in favor of this mine just stand and we'll hear from some of you guys,” Anderson asks.
“Now that’s not fair, this is standing room only sir,” a resident replied.
Much has been made about the potential negative health, ecological, and economic impacts having limestone mining this close to residential homes. However, one resident, Chris Greenberg, says talk will only get the community so far without collective action.
"The problem we all have is this – we can all talk about what is bothering us – the city only has so much that they can do," Greenberg said. "The county is not going to help us because of state law. We can rant and rave about air, but there is only so much they can do. I’ve got to say this is big business. Big businesses they care about what? They care about themselves. If you put lipstick on a pig, it’s still a pig, right? So, we have to stick together and band together. We’re not quitting.”
Two local lawmakers, state Representative Kathy Rice and State Senator John Carly, were in attendance to discuss the matter and provide updates on their efforts looking forward.
In total, no fewer than three bills are in the works for the upcoming legislative session aiming to halt this mine as of today. Further, they and other local activists are planning a legislative day to bring awareness to this mine.