Raleigh, N.C. — About 15 people spoke Tuesday night during a public hearing on plans to expand a rock quarry off Duraleigh Road in northwest Raleigh.

Residents of the Delta Ridge subdivision have expressed opposition to the project by posting signs in their yards and launching a website against Hanson Aggregates' plan. The company is seeking city approval to rezone 100 acres from residential to industrial use.

"The quarry wants to move next to us. They want to bring their blasting, which we can already feel, a thousand feet closer," Andrew Meehan said during the meeting. 

The company plans to extend the Crabtree Greenway through the site to Umstead State Park, add 50 parking spaces for park visitors, create a nine-acre nature preserve and allow the city to use the quarry for flood control.

"When we began this process, we thought it was a win-win. Tonight, we believe the same," Hanson Aggregates Vice President Chris Ward said. 

The City Council referred the matter to the Raleigh Planning Commission for review and a recommendation.

Because residents are protesting the proposed expansion, at least six members of the City Council would have to vote in favor of it for approval.