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Greenback lawsuit against quarry operator to be heard in front of judge for the first time

The property known locally as the Hutton Farm was purchased with the intention of being turned into a limestone quarry.

GREENBACK, Tenn. — Greenback has filed for a motion of summary judgment to determine the future of a limestone quarry built in city limits. According to court records, Greenback makes the argument that the building of a quarry would violate city land use standards. 

However, the quarry operator disagrees. 

He alleges his rights were infringed upon when the city voted in new zoning ordinances earlier this year after he purchased and started work on the property. 

The construction of the quarry has sparked an outcry from neighbors who allege the quarry would have impacts on the noise, air quality and valuation of properties in the area. 

"I would really like this to be over," Stacy Oneil, a neighbor, said. "We've been dealing with it for 2 years now and it puts a lot of stress on us around here. We listen to the noise and everything all the time and we just want it to be over."

A local lawyer said the hearing set for Oct. 30 will set the path for these cases moving forward with a potential trial being an option. 

"In simplest terms, the quarry operator is concerned because they've seen, effectively, what we would consider to be retroactive zoning actions by the town of Greenback which impinges upon their business right," T. Scott Jones, an attorney at law, said. "People there in Greenback for whatever reason, don't want a quarry in their area. The owner of this property who purchased it with the expectation of operating a quarry wants to operate a quarry in conformance with the law. So, you know, two sides can't be right." 

Jones said the impacts of this case can go beyond Loudon County. Depending on which way the judge rules. 

Property buyers in the future may need extra assurances from their town or city about how they can use their land. 

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