A proposed expansion of a Montrose County gravel pit was denied by Montrose County commissioners in late March and will go to a judge for appeal.

Matt Miles, the developer of the land, wants to expand the 10 acre gravel pit to a little over 100 acres and mine the land.

The backlash has been prevalent since late 2022, especially backlash from residents in the area around the pit, near Maple Grove and 5875 Road.

Miles, under his LLC, appealed the decision via a lawsuit, so the ultimate decision about whether the county acted properly in its denial will head to a judge.

“It’s a pretty common thing that developers do,” Miles said.

County commissioners apparently heard the concerns of the many area residents who voiced their concern about the project.

Those concerns ranged from concerns about property values, to environmental concerns, to traffic and road damage, and beyond.

“The neighbors are concerned, and its our job as developers to mitigate their concerns as much as we can, but there are laws and property rights that have to be respected,” Miles said.

But residents nearby are worried about air quality as well as the potential of landslides in cases where houses are built on sloped land.

Miles believes the decision from a judge may happen within a year, but it’s hard to say.

You can read more about the concerns of the nearby residents at their change.org page, which they launched in an effort to raise awareness about the decision. It can be found at https://bit.ly/3Mnwtxm

The county declined to comment, as the issue is pending litigation.