More than 100 people attended the Crawford County Commission meeting July 18, 2023, to protest a proposed rock quarry. But the commission's final decision was not what many hoped for.

The development of the quarry, located 2 miles from historic Girls Scout Camp Martha Johnston, was a topic of controversy in the community. Girl Scouts and locals worried the quarry would be a threat to the environment and the safety of residents, and disrupt their peaceful community.

Locals crowded into the overflow room at the courthouse sporting shirts and signs that read “stop the quarry.” They watched the hearing unfold from a screen at the front, occasionally erupting in cheers that could be heard from the nearby room where the hearing was taking place.

Perry Donahoo, co-founder of Cottondale Partners, the company developing the quarry, spoke first, detailing the regulations Cottondale would abide by and the benefits to the community.

“Thirty jobs in mining has a total net impact of 117 jobs created," Donahoo said. "As far as economic impact, that's almost six million worth of impact.”

The Girl Scouts were among those who spoke against the quarry. Brianna Baldwin, who has been a Girl Scout for 13 years, addressed the commissioners.

“Please don't forget about us Girl Scouts in making this decision,” Baldwin said. “We support our community in any way we can, and this is the one thing that we really cherish and love. So please keep Camp Martha Johnson in mind.”

David Marmins, an attorney representing residents, also spoke against the quarry. 

“This particular spot is zoned for agricultural and low density residential use, peace and tranquility,” Marmins said. “Cottondale aims to change that. Why? The only justification is money. It's not money for any other people here but them.”

After a 10-minute recess, commissioner Jackie McCowen addressed the room. 

“I hope after all of this is said and done, one way or another, families can get back together, friends can get back together and we can unite,” McCowen said before the vote. 

The commissioners voted 3 to 2 to approve the plan for the quarry.

Community members gather outside the Crawford County courthouse

Community members gathered outside the Crawford County courthouse July 18, 2023, to discuss the decision reached after the commissioners meeting.

Credit: Eliza Moore / GPB News

The vote was based on additional conditions agreed upon between the commissioners and Cottondale Partners, such as limiting the number of blasts and operating hours for the quarry. 

The approval was met by frustration and disappointment from the community. Brad Moriarty, a software engineer who opposed the quarry, said the fight wasn’t over. 

“I think we all felt like it should have gone the other way. Hopefully, this isn’t it. We’ll continue to push forward and see what happens with future prosecutions,” Moriarty said.

Both sides alluded to potential lawsuits in the future.

Tags: Atlanta  Georgia  crawford county  Girl Scouts