DIX, N.Y. (WENY) -- New York State Senator Tom O'Mara and Assemblyman Phil Palmesano have joined the community in opposition to the Padua Sand and Gravel Pit's proposed 47-acre expansion. 

In a letter the elected leaders sent to New York State's Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos, they encouraged the state to deny the company's expansion application.

The owner of the mine, IGN Sand and Gravel, Inc. seeks to expand its existing 14.33 acre property to nearly 61 acres. The sand and gravel mine is located near the upper entrance of Watkins Glen State Park. 

The Senator and Assemblyman cited community concern, potential environmental impact and an impact on homeowners in the area. This is the same concern community members brought forward at a public hearing put on by the D.E.C. on Feb 13. 

If the D.E.C. does not reject the application, O'Mara and Palmesano are asking the organization to perform a supplemental environmental impact statement before they fully process the expansion request. 

Previously, both the Watkins Glen Village Board of Trustees and Schuyler County Legislature passed a resolution opposing the mine's expansion application.

The letter sent to the state D.E.C by O'Mara and Palmesano is below: