Rose Township Residents Show the Power of Public Participation
I would like to sincerely thank the Rose Township Supervisor Brad Stilwell, Trustee Debra Bourdeau, and the Board of Trustees for inviting me to speak with residents about the proposed Levy/Burroughs Materials sand and gravel mine on Ormond Road.
The presentation was part of Rose Township’s “Neighbor to Neighbor” meeting series, which creates an opportunity for elected leaders and residents to engage directly through questions, answers, discussion, and community participation. This type of open dialogue is an important part of local government, particularly when residents are facing a complicated land-use proposal that could affect more than one township.
I was impressed by the level of participation and the mutual respect shown between Rose Township residents and their elected leaders. Residents asked thoughtful questions, shared concerns, and demonstrated a strong commitment to protecting their community from potential harm.
They are also supporting Springfield Township resident efforts calling for more information, additional independent studies, greater transparency, and a thorough review of the proposed mining operation.
I was honored to speak about the importance of credible, site-specific information and evidence, and how that information relates to the “very serious consequences” factors used when reviewing a proposed sand and gravel mine.
General information about mining is not enough to determine what may happen at one particular site. A responsible review must examine the actual property, surrounding homes, roads, private wells, groundwater systems, natural resources, and neighboring communities that may be affected.
The purpose of gathering this information is not to predetermine whether the mine should be approved or denied. It is to make sure that any decision is based on a complete and reliable record.
Public involvement and site-specific evidence are both essential to that process.
Resident participation keeps the issue visible, encourages stronger questions, supports continued investigation, and holds elected and appointed officials accountable for conducting a careful and transparent review. Site-specific evidence gives decision-makers the factual information needed to evaluate the proposal and support their final decision.
One cannot fully replace the other.
Rose Township residents made it clear that they care deeply about their community and are willing to participate in the work required to protect it. I am grateful to the Board of Trustees for creating a respectful space where residents could ask questions, express concerns, and take part in an important regional conversation.
Thank you to everyone who attended, participated, and welcomed me to Rose Township.
For more information about the Neighbor-2-Neighbor meetings, visit the Rose Township Website.
-> Handout to Rose Township Residents from Neighbor-to-Neighbor meeting (July 29, 2026)
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