FROM STAFF REPORTS

The Statesville City Council on Monday delayed a public hearing and quasi-judicial hearing related to the proposed expansion of the Martin Marietta mining operation.

Council members voted unanimously to continue the hearing after attorneys for Martin-Marietta and the Pressly family, which owns nearby property, informed the council that there were technical defects with the public notices advertising the hearings.

The hearings will likely be held in April.

Martin Marietta wants to expand its 278-acre mining and rock crushing operation by 53.8 acres and invest $40 million in relocating and upgrading equipment in its Statesville quarry.

James Pressly, speaking on behalf of a group called Statesville Citizens Against Backyard Quarry, has raised concerns about the project, citing vibration, noise, dust, in the nearby residential neighborhood.

Tom Johnson, who represents Martin Marietta, told the council that the delay was necessary to ensure that the process was done right the first time.

Martin Marietta officials will meet with the Pressly family in an effort to better understand their concerns between now and the next hearing, Johnson said.