WILLIAM NEUENS REALTY has halted work and withdrawn its application for a conditional rezoning permit for a proposed gravel pit on the Twin Falls Access Road in Breitung Township. (Submitted photo)

QUINNESEC — Plans have been dropped for a gravel pit on the Twin Falls Access Road near M-95 that had drawn complaints from adjacent Breitung Township property owners, according to township officials.

Citing a lack of economic viability because of required setbacks, William Neuens Realty has withdrawn its application for a conditional rezoning permit, according to a Nov. 8 email the township sent to concerned parties. The business said it would file a soil and sediment control plan with the Dickinson County Construction Code Commission to remove stumps and level the areas disturbed.

Dr. John Loewen, who had opposed the gravel pit, issued this statement after learning of the decision: “I want to thank everyone for their help and assistance and would especially like to thank William Neuens Realty and (Township Superintendent) Steve Mulka for their sensitivity to the elderly people in this community in withdrawing their request for the gravel pit.”

The gravel pit required the permit because the 15-acre Twin Falls Access Road property is zoned rural residential.

At an Oct. 10 Breitung Township Planning Commission meeting, numerous residents turned out to express concerns about the proposed project. Neighbors were also unhappy work had already begun ahead of any permit being approved.

Loewen told the panel his property value had already gone down due to timber clear-cutting. Loewen, at the time, said his attorney had prepared a report citing several issues, including ordinances against mineral extraction, whether William Neuens Realty has rights to the minerals and if the project deviated from Breitung Township’s master plan.

Loewen suggested the land be used for housing. In addition to hiring an attorney, Loewen placed ads on local radio stations for a petition drive against the project that drew more than 300 signatures.

Attorney Douglas Drexler, representing William Neuens Realty, told the planning commission in October that Neuens does a lot to promote the area, providing business and jobs. He said Neuens did not want conflict and intended to do things right.

The commission in October tabled the rezoning request on Mulka’s recommendation, citing the late arrival of information including the report from Loewen’s attorney. The matter was slated to be taken up again at its Nov. 21 meeting.