Wisconsin-based Putnam County Stone has formally requested to withdraw its controversial rezoning application to establish a rock quarry along Dennis Station Road.
The move could halt what was expected to be one of the county’s most closely watched public hearings in years, though questions remain about whether the proposal could eventually return.
County Attorney Adam Nelson revealed the request near the end of the June 5 meeting of the Putnam County Board of Commissioners. Nelson told commissioners that county staff had received correspondence from the applicant indicating the applicant's intention to seek withdrawal at the Planning and Zoning Commission’s July 2 meeting.
If approved, the withdrawal would effectively end the current rezoning process and eliminate the need for the public hearing that had been scheduled to follow.
Nelson explained that while the applicant described the request as a withdrawal “without prejudice,” zoning matters differ from legal cases because property owners generally retain the right to reapply after waiting periods established by state law and local ordinances.
“The rock’s not going to go somewhere else in the meantime,” Nelson said of the large underground granite deposit located across from the Interfor lumber plant. He added that it would be reasonable to assume future development proposals involving the property could eventually emerge.
Under county ordinances, Nelson said, once a rezoning request has been publicly advertised, either the Planning and Zoning Commission or the Board of Commissioners must formally approve its withdrawal. If the commission grants the request on July 2, no further action from county commissioners would be required.
District 3 Commissioner Steve Hersey questioned whether residents should still attend the July meeting and expressed skepticism about the applicant’s intentions, pointing to a planned job fair associated with the proposed quarry project.
“It just appears to me that their motion to withdraw at the same time they’re holding a job fair says they are going to bring this back,” Hersey said.
Interim County Manager Byron Lombard cautioned against viewing the withdrawal request as unusual, noting that such requests are routinely granted and warning that denying one could create legal complications. He added that applicants frequently make significant revisions before resubmitting proposals, particularly after receiving feedback from residents or concerns from elected officials.
“My understanding is that they intend to, or likely would, change their application significantly,” Lombard said.
County officials also discussed preparations for the July 2 meeting, should large crowds still attend. Lombard said that after consulting with Putnam County Fire Chief Thomas McClain, modifications to the current setup would allow the commission chamber to accommodate approximately 220 people — about 30 more than previously considered full capacity. Additional overflow seating would be available in the county administration building’s rotunda, where attendees could watch the proceedings via video displays.
Although commissioners acknowledged public opposition turnout may decrease now that the withdrawal request has been filed, they encouraged residents who remain interested in the matter to attend the July 2 Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, where the withdrawal request itself will be considered.