South Sioux City residents challenge rail spur permit approval

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 9 Oct, 04:19 · Archive

Six South Sioux City residents are suing to overturn the city's approval of a conditional-use permit for a proposed rail spur and aggregate operation.

Six South Sioux City residents are challenging the city's approval of a conditional-use permit for a proposed rail spur and aggregate operation near Highway 77. The appeal raises questions about zoning, notice requirements and the roles held by the property owner seeking the permit.

The proposed operation would be located at 1600 East Avenue, just off Highway 77, on land zoned Agricultural Transitional. The permit applicants are Martin and Janice Hohenstein, who own the property. The South Sioux City Planning Commission approved the permit in June after seven people spoke in opposition, and the city council formally approved it in July by a 7-1 vote.

The permit allows a private rail spur, sand extraction, aggregate handling and storage, and related activities. City meeting records estimate the operation could involve about four trains per month and as many as 50 to 60 truck trips per day during peak season. Residents cited concerns about rough roads, odours, increased truck traffic, safety, groundwater and trains backing up on nearby tracks. Angela Blomberg, a resident, said she was concerned about the project's impact on her home. Tammy Christman said she felt officials had not listened to the neighbourhood's concerns.

How it is being reported

• Court challenge filed over approval of proposed rail spur in South Sioux CitySix South Sioux City residents are challenging the city’s approval of a conditional-use permit for a proposed rail spur and aggregate operation near Highway 771011Now · 8 Oct, 23:34
• Court challenge filed over approval of proposed rail spur in South Sioux CitySix South Sioux City residents are challenging the city’s approval of a conditional-use permit for a proposed rail spur and aggregate operation near Highway 77WOWT · 8 Oct, 23:34

In this story: South Sioux City · Martin Hohenstein · Janice Hohenstein · Angela Blomberg · Tammy Christman · Nebraska

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