Big community thank you owed to Jonna Plante

We all owe a huge debt of gratitude to Jonna Plante of Sagle for her perseverance the last two years in fighting to oppose the Interstate Asphalt Plant becoming a permanent fixture at the Linscott gravel pit in Sagle. The Idaho Supreme Court finally ruled in favor of the Citizens Against Linscott/Interstate Asphalt plant.

An asphalt batch plant operating at the Linscott site would have certainly been a health hazard, causing air and noise pollution, and potential water pollution and decreased property values. Many Sagle citizens opposing the plant, initially testified at Commissioner and Planning & Zoning meetings. In spite of overwhelming personal testimony and evidence pointing to zoning illegalities and health concerns, County Commissioners, local officials and judges kept ruling in favor of Interstate and Linscott.

The Bonner County commissioners and P&Z overlooked and ignored past nonconforming practices, insisting on validating a conditional use permit that would allow the asphalt plant to operate at the Linscott location. Thanks to Jonna, the Idaho Supreme Court has ruled that permit is invalid.

As in many civic concerns, people get discouraged and become resigned to the fact that “you can’t fight city hall”. Fortunately for us, Jonna stuck with it, hiring top expertise and representation to fight for the cause in county, state and finally Idaho Supreme Court. I know we are not alone in offering our sincere appreciation and thanks to Jonna Plante of Sagle for this victory that will benefit us all.

MARGIE and JIM CORCORAN

Sagle