Palo Alto Mayor Supports Acquisition Of Lehigh Plant

PALO ALTO, CA — Palo Alto Mayor Pat Burt expressed support for Santa Clara County to acquire and close the Lehigh Cement Plant and Quarry.

A referral from Supervisor Joe Simitian is expected to come before the Board of Supervisors on Feb. 15 that would direct staff to explore options to purchase and close the 3,510-acre plant located primarily in unincorporated Santa Clara County but extends into portions of Palo Alto and Cupertino.

The plant has been used for large-scale mining and manufacturing since 1939, and Simitian is looking into reevaluating operations and new land uses that would benefit surrounding communities.

Burt joined with mayors of Cupertino, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills and Sunnyvale to support Simitian’s proposal.

“Although the City of Palo Alto has not formally deliberated on this referral, environmental health is a city priority,” Burt said. “I support furthering this important conversation, and believe that viewpoint is reflective of our communities.”

Click here to read the agenda item at next week’s board meeting. The meeting begins at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday and information about how to view it can be read here.