Residents protest concrete plant

Wednesday, May 28, 2003 | 9:41 a.m.

Residents of a southwest Las Vegas neighborhood are protesting a plan to put a new concrete-producing batch plant near their homes.

The South West Action Network has appealed a decision by the Clark County Planning Commission to put the batch plant near Blue Diamond Road between Rainbow and Jones boulevards.

A batch plant produces concrete from cement and aggregate material.

"There's a lot of residents, a lot of people up in arms," said Sue Allen, chairwoman of the group.

Allen said the group has gathered more than 400 cards, letters and petition signatures in an effort to overturn the May 8 planning commission approval.

She said the concerns center on the environmental impact of adding another batch plant to the area -- there are already several within a few miles of the location -- and the impact of additional traffic on Blue Diamond Road. The new plant would be close to some houses in the area, she said.

Clark County staff had recommended approval for the project, noting that the land is zoned for manufacturing and industrial use.

Diana Bossard, representing Ready Mix Inc., the company that would operate the plant, said the residents' concerns are misplaced.

"I think they just don't understand what is happening there," Bossard said.

She said the company has an excellent record with the Clark County Air Quality Management Department on air pollution, and intersections affected by the truck traffic will be controlled by traffic signals.