Residents speak out against Titan cement plant

Yes, we all benefit from industry and energy production. It has to be created somewhere. But where? I say a well populated and fragile coastal environment may not be the right place. But to me the biggest issue: Let the residents decide by popular vote, you know, referendum. Or, our elected representatives should throw the issue out to those they represent, for reaction and popular opinion, and then vote accordingly. It should not be handled the NHC way.

Wilmington has always had a problem balancing enviromental concerns with economic growth.I work in an industrial plant and we spend millions to protect the enviroment.All of us can't work in retail or service jobs.If you have not noticed, until the GE expansion we have not had any new plants come to the area in about 15 years.Before we are so dead set against new industry take a minute and consider how hard it is to make a resonable wage in New Hanover County.My father helped build and worked at this plant when it was IDEAL cement.I remember that job sure helped our family.

I bet that it will be permitted to construct in this county because the "Powers that be" want it here. They've approved the biofuel plant even though Cumberland County denied it based on research that it is an environmental hazard. But money talks in this county BS walks also public health & safety walks too. I pray every day that our leaders will soon have the backbone to stand up for our precious environment for today & future generations. Haven't we learned from the past that ignoring pollutors & allowing them to thrive all in the name of economic development has been proven that it's millions of dollars more costly in the long run plus the millions of dollars in lost production & health care. Why can't New Hanover County become the "Jewel of the Nile" & promote sustainable living & a healthy environment that people will flock to because they are unable to find any where else. With waterways closing to recreation & shell fishing due to overpollution should speak volumes but NO, it's becoming the norm to see which city can be the most polluted.

So if there are no cement plants, how will we all build our homes? None of you have used any concrete in or around your homes? I guess its alright to pollute for your use when it is not in your backyard huh? A little hypocritical I would say. I live in Rocky Point btw.

It's my understanding that our area representatives, and Governor, have been negotiating with Titan Cement for several years. The "powers that be" want this plant here. It's been suggested that area developers, who are the major business influence here, want this plant so a vital building component, cement, will be more readily, and I imagine more cheaply, available to them. Concerned area residents do not want a polluting industry with heavy truck traffic so up close and personal. The actual residents and taxpayers were allowed in the process, once it was TOO LATE.

Here's the one question that the enviroloons, NIMBY crowd, and the BigMouthFM won't answer: What happens if Titan can meet all federal and state requirements for emissions and wetland protection? "No, that's just not possible. We refuse to even consider that." (Picture the three monkeys, seeing, hearing, and speaking nothing that dares to questions their premature conclusions) A small vocal minority, many of whom are not even legal residents of the area have decided that this employer will simply not be allowed to come to the area. Who cares if their Roanoke operation has won awards for being clean, green, and a good corporate neighbor? They hope to accomplish their goal by spreading alarming rumors and warnings that simply will not be true if the plant meets the legal requirements established for its operation. They are, in effect, telling us that meeting EPA and state requirements aren't good enough. We have to meet THEIR requirements, which change according to which "expert" you talk to. Here's a wake up call for the leaders (and mouthpiece) for this opposition: Most of us aren't "pro-Titan," we're "anti-lynch mob" and want to hear everything from ALL sides before we make up our minds. I'd say that it's darn convenient for a bunch of non-resident college kids, retired geezers, and local enviroloons to poo-poo a business that will provide well over a hundred, possibly hundreds of jobs that will pay twice the average area salary, the majority of those jobs going to people who truly need quality, good-paying jobs. So let's hear the WHOLE story, and not just the Chicken-Little screamers. Only when people hear ALL the facts (Note: gee-what-ifs are not facts) can an intelligent decision be made.