A controversial project to turn sand into a "gold mine" has hit a stalemate in the East County.
The Cottonwood Sand Mine project has been under debate since 2018. However, a vote on Wednesday shut it down, for now.
A developer wants to pull millions of tons of earth out of hundreds of acres at the former golf course. That sand would become concrete and other fill products. The developer says once they're done, the land would be given back to the community.
However, locals say the mine would increase traffic and noise and create an environmental hazard. The San Diego County Planning Commission narrowly reject the proposal, splitting the vote 3-3. Without a majority, the developer cannot move forward with the project.
An appeal is expected.