Concrete recycler’s impacts are being addressed

I am writing in response to Jan. 28 Herald article (“Proposed concrete recycling plant clears largest hurdle”). The article takes an adversarial position against Interwest Construction, Inc. The area is zoned heavy industrial; what do neighbors anticipate might happen? It is like purchasing a home near the airport and then complaining about the airport noise.

So, Everett should just ban all industry to prevent any possible noise and dust bothering residents. If having industry is not OK, then why zone it heavy industrial? Maybe the Riverside neighborhood can buy the property and pay the property taxes on it. As with all new endeavors, issues always arise but can be addressed without taking the offensive.

I am an employee of Interwest Construction and am proud to work for an employer who instead of just dumping waste material is willing to recycle it for other uses. The company is aware of environment concerns and makes every effort to be a good steward by parking our trucks near projects to decrease fossil fuel usage, recycling demolition material, using water to control dust or completing remediation projects.

Additionally, the owner of Interwest owns a yard waste recycling business near our office which is busy with commercial landscaping and residential customers that is organized and well kept. Furthermore, he is on the Skagit Conservation District Board. I find it curious your stance seems to want to discourage growth or perhaps only the growth you approve of?

Growth brings tax money to the region along with well-paying jobs. I think the Riverside neighborhood should be happy about the possibility that their housing values may increase with the influx of business and jobs into the region.

Patti Baker

Lake Stevens