While Old Hazeldell Quarry notes they could provide only 10 onsite jobs, those are not guaranteed to go to local residents. Also, the quarry threatens Oakridge’s current tourism economy, which currently supports far more than 10 jobs. Tourism is Oakridge’s lifeblood — mountain biking, outdoor recreation, festivals, and hospitality. The quarry’s impacts (dust, blasting, truck traffic, degraded viewshed, water risks) could reduce tourism revenue and therefore eliminate more jobs than it creates.
Besides the immense health concerns of living next to a quarry, there's an often overlooked concern. Property values. On average, property within a mile of the quarry will lose about 19% of its value as soon as a quarry begins. Over half of Oakridge's homes are within that mile. If the quarry is approved, this could mean millions in lost property value and potential financial ruin for many.
At Oakridge Strong, we’ve been fighting for nearly a decade to protect Oakridge from the Old Hazeldell Quarry. In 2021 we were successful in getting the permit denied. This took work - letters, phone calls, generating press, meeting with the county, and a lot of good old-fashioned work ethic. But Crown Properties has re-submitted its application and is throwing the full force of its millions behind it. Starting in 2024 we plan on putting an end to this once and for all, no matter what it takes.
