St. Cloud City Council voted 5-0 to reject a proposed mediated settlement agreement with Hickory Tree Industrial, which operates a concrete crushing plant on Hickory Tree Road south of US 192. Council also directed staff to pursue an injunction to stop their operation.
Council heard from people who live in the area who are concerned about the noise and dust.
In November 2023, the City Council denied the company’s application for a Future Land Use change, which would have allowed them to continue operating the existing facility without an approved permit or development order. The city had initiated code enforcement action to address the unpermitted facility. After Council denied the land use change, the company challenged the denial, and the city entered the required mediation with an appointed Special Magistrate.
However, City Council said the unpermitted plant is not in a good location and rejected the proposed mediated settlement.
“This property is sandwiched between two developments,” said Mayor Chris Robertson. “I do believe there’s a place in this city for a product like this; recycling concrete is a good thing. But it’s certainly not at the location it’s at.”
Robertson added that he wants the city to work with the owner to find a suitable location where the business can thrive.
“I do want to respect Mr. Wright,” Robertson said. “He’s been here a number of years. We just want to have a solution to the situation.”
Deputy Mayor Shawn Fletcher made the motion to reject the proposed settlement and pursue an injunction.
“I appreciate the community feedback,” Fletcher said. “We all have to abide by the rules. If you want to do something you should go through the process that’s designed for it. At this point I don’t think there is any way could support this settlement.”
