Clay residents react to concrete batch plant proposal

TOWN OF CLAY, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) – Concern is high for many in the Town of Clay over plans to build a concrete plant basically in their backyards.

The special permit being considered by the town is causing some serious cracks in the community.

“This business is a problem because we believe it poses a significant health risk to the community. Not only is it a health risk, but think about the concrete trucks that are going to be on these roads,” Jason Spagnola, a member of Town of Clay Concerned Citizens, said.

The proposed plant would be just down the road from Clay Central Park, the YMCA and a large housing development.

“You can Google concrete batch plant and see them from a satellite view. Look at their footprint. Take a look at what their driveway looks like, and then tell me that you want to have that within two miles or even five miles of where you live, work or play,” Spagnola added.

One of the biggest worries is the effects of breathing in concrete.

“You don’t have to take my word for it. Anyone can go to Home Depot or Lowe’s or the hardware store and flip over one of those bags of concrete mix and just read the safe handling instructions on there. That’ll give you all the information you need,” Spagnola said.

The owner of Goguen Drive Realty giving this statement to NewsChannel 9:

“We understand and respect the concerns raised by our neighbors regarding the proposed concrete batch plant. As a veteran-owned business committed to being a responsible and positive presence in our community, we take these concerns seriously—especially those relating to environmental impact, noise, and traffic.

Our team is actively working to address these questions comprehensively. We’re not just focused on meeting regulatory standards but exceeding them wherever possible to ensure our operations are sustainable and community-friendly. Our goal is to bring benefits to our community, including creating quality job opportunities and supporting local infrastructure improvements.

We are committed to transparency and ongoing dialogue with the community. To this end, we invite our neighbors to share their concerns and suggestions directly with us, ensuring all voices are heard and considered in our planning process and for the April 1st town board meeting.

Our dedication to being great neighbors and a leading veteran-owned employer in the area is unwavering.

The April 1 Clay Town Board meeting will give residents the chance to be heard on the special permit for the plant.