Wednesday, August 12, 2020
VOL. 12, NO.45
pelika Observer O
Opelika, Alabama
“An award-winning publication for local people, by local people.”
Beulah residents fight proposed quarry By Michelle Key Publisher More than 100 Beulah residents and concerned citizens turned out for Monday night’s Lee County Commission meeting to voice their concerns and opinions on the proposed granite rock quarry that has its sights set on property near Highway 29 in the Beulah community. State Representative Debbie Wood and opposition organizers Tara Brumfield and Danielle Ritch addressed the county commissioners asking them for their support in fighting the proposed quarry. Due to COVID-19 restrictions a limited number of people were allowed inside the commission chambers, but others were allowed to watch the proceedings via a
live-streamed video from the C.S.M. Bennie Adkins Meeting Center or could congregate outside the courthouse. “There is a movement of people that love their community, and they do not want to see it changed,” Wood said. “There are people that are here tonight, and they are here because they are fearful, they
in Lee County. We don’t want it here. The people don’t want it here.” Probate Judge Bill English explained that the commission and the county do not have zoning similar to what cities have, and they don’t have the authority to zone or regulate private use of property. They do not have the authority to “just say no to permits.” Brumfield explained in detail why she is opposed to the potential Photo courtesy of Opelika Chamber of Commerce quarry. want to protect their 1,500 that have signed a “Once I joined this rights, they want to petition.” fight, I found out protect their property Wood distributed that it is not just my and their values. I copies of a map story, it is for all the was really excited to showing the area where other members of see this many people the quarry is proposed this community that show up." to be located. is spread out through “Since Thursday “There is currently the Beulah area, and night there have been some testing going since this property is more than 500 people on this site,” she said. on Lake Harding, it that have signed a “I know that there will also potentially petition to stop the is definitely a place affect the Lake Harding quarry. Online, there perhaps for this quarry, community as well,” has been more than but we don’t want it she said. “My children
are now old enough that we are hoping that in the next five or 10 years, that they will be able to take over [our family] businesses. But if there is a quarry there, those businesses may not exist in five or 10 years.” The Opposition: The quarry poses a threat of pollution and air problems, such as dust and silica as well as noise and water disturbance, Brumfield said. “I beg you to please do whatever it takes to help us to stop this effort form happening,” she said. “Find a way. We stopped it once, we can stop it again.” Ritch said that she has heard rumors of a potential quarry since March and has since been working on obtaining more information. See BEULAH page A3
Robin’s Nest Boutique opens 2020-21 Class of '20 Under Forty' holds Kickoff Retreat new location in Opelika
Photo courtesy of Opelika Chamber of Commerce Photo courtesy of Opelika Chamber of Commerce
By Will Fairless Associate Editor Robin’s Nest Boutique, a clothing and accessories store,
has opened a new location in Opelika. The Opelika Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the
store’s new location, 2770 Enterprise Drive, on Aug. 4. Robin’s Nest See BOUTIQUE, page A6
Courtesy of Opelika Chamber of Commerce The Opelika Chamber of Commerce held the
Index OPINION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A4 SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY. . . . . . . .A7 RELIGION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A13 COMICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A16
SPORTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B1 POLITICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B6 PUBLIC NOTICES . . . . . . . . . . . . B12 CLASSIFIEDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B13
annual ‘Kickoff Retreat’ to begin the 2020-21 Class of 20 Under Forty under the leadership of new Chamber President Ali Rauch and the 20 Under Forty Board of Directors.
This year’s class will learn about all things Opelika and meet with various departments & organizations throughout the city See RETREAT, page A3