Mine Closer to Moving in, but Neighbors Still Unhappy

The plan to expand a mine in Henderson County cleared another hurdle tonight. The city county planning commission made their recommendation to rezone an area for surfacing mining. The board voted 7 to 2 recommending the rezoning of farm land in the eastern part of Henderson. The vote could mean 600 acres of surface mining in the area and many people who live near the fields dont know how to take their new neighbor. A lot of work went into the Mattinglys home on Hatchet Mill road. "My husband built it with my brother-in-law and brother," says Teresa Mattingly. For 16 years, "its where weve made a home for us and our kids." Now this special place could lost some of its luster thanks to a potential new neighbor. "We are worried about damage to our home." A nearly 600 acre surface mine in this field just across the street. "We have family outings here. I think thats going to put a damper on it." Henderson City-County Planning Commission is recommending the area zoned for agriculture be rezoned for expansion of the Patriot Coal Mine. It wont be permanent and the commission only agreed on the condition the company get in and get out without affecting the houses or the neighborhoods.. But the Mattinglys say, "Its just not going to be the same," because now that the vote is taken, "I dont think we can do anything about it. This isnt the final step. The Commissions recommendation to rezone the land now goes to the Fiscal Court for final approval. If that happens the mine could go up by this summer.