Asst. Sherburne County Zoning Administrator Lynn Waytashek said that the application had been withdrawn in writing by representatives of the company Tues.  The application had stirred controversy in Palmer Township, with a large number of residents attending a public hearing at a Palmer board meeting to urge supervisors to send a negative comment to the county planning committee on the proposed project.  Many of those residents attended the planning committee meeting in February to voice those same concerns, which included noise, smoke and dust pollution from the operation, damage to township roads and traffic safety issues.

 

The planning committee voted to table action on a recommendation pro or con to the county board at the February meeting.  The county board then took no independent action on the permit request at the regular February meeting.

 

Since the county board has not denied the permit application, the company could re-apply at some time in the future, Waytashek confirmed.  Representatives from Hardrives, Inc. did not respond to voice mailbox requests for confirmation or comment as of Thursday afternoon.