Council Okays Rock-Crushing Plant In San Jose

Over strong objections from residents and environmentalists, the San Jose City Council approved an asphalt recycling plant in a neighborhood already plagued by noise and dust.

In voting unanimously for the project, the council overturned a planning commission decision to deny Graniterock a permit to put the asphalt-crushing operation next to its asphalt-making plant on Berryessa Road.

But the approval comes with a host of conditions outlined in a memo signed by Mayor Ron Gonzales and developed by Councilman Chuck Reed. The company also will need to get permits from several state and federal environmental agencies.

In asking for approval, Graniterock spokesman Ben Licari argued that recycling is good for the environment, the Berryessa location is ideal and the zoning is appropriate. The company existed long before the council in the 1980s allowed homes to be built near the industrial area.

Speakers opposing the project described the impact of Graniterock's current plant: noise so loud they can't sleep and dust that covers their homes and triggers allergies. They also expressed concerns over water pollution in nearby Coyote Creek. Adding a recycling operation would only make conditions worse for the residents who live 300 to 1,000 feet from Graniterock.

``It will ruin our neighborhood,'' resident Magnolia Lee said. ``Please don't do that to us.''

But Reed said not all problems in the heavy industrial area are caused by Graniterock. The 1,000 acres of industry also are home to metal and auto-crushing businesses and other noisy operations.

``It's a tough area and it's tough to live next to. There's no doubt about that,'' he said.

Not all speakers opposed the project. Neil Struthers, CEO of the Santa Clara-San Benito Counties Building & Construction Trades Council, said the council needs to stop the flow of industry relocating outside of the area. Graniterock's recycling efforts will be good for the economy and the environment, he said.

In approving the permit, the council is requiring Graniterock to:

• Limit crusher hours to 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and other operations such as loading or moving materials from 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Graniterock had originally asked to operate 24 hours a day.

• Use portable ``sound curtains'' to lessen noise from the crusher. The planning department had recommended that the crusher be enclosed in a permanent structure, which Graniterock said would not be possible because of the size and shape of the site and its proximity to Coyote Creek.

• Control dust with watering, and pave and sweep travel routes and storage areas.

• Until the site is connected to an electrical grid, limit the generator that will operate the crusher to 390 hours a year and put it in a vehicle to muffle the noise.

• Provide a 24-hour hotline for residents to lodge complaints or ask questions. Information from the calls and e-mails will be collected and made available to the public.

If the conditions are not met, the planning director can shut down the operation or further limit the hours. Also, the city will set a hearing in a year to hear from residents.

While acknowledging that the area is zoned for a rock crushing operation, the planning commission in August denied a permit based largely on testimony from residents. San Jose Mercury News