STATESVILLE, N.C. -- A debate in Statesville surrounds an asphalt company.

Maymead Incorporated has a proposed plan to build a new asphalt plant along Northside Drive, paving the way for new business, but they need a special use permit from city leaders to build.

Brenda Speece lives in the neighborhood and says it's a bad idea.

"It's not a healthy aspect to have poisons in the atmosphere,” she said.

The asphalt plant would not be dangerous to neighbors, according to Maymead's company spokesperson Mary Katherine Harbin. She contends the new plant would be a good neighbor.

"There's no way we would put our family and workers in harms way. There's no concern for the citizens in the area,” she said.

But many are concerned. The Maymead Company and its proposed plant is under attack by a local group, Iredell Citizens Against Asphalt Pollution. Larry Marlin is the leader. He doesn't want the proposed plant near his busy neighborhood.

"This many people, this many schools, there should be a better option," he said.

Marlin said he's researched the company's history and found infractions by the company at its North Carolina plants. Harbin, however, defends her family's business, saying, "We have had very few citations of environmental concern. However, we immediately have taken care of them."

Many opponents plan to address Statesville city council members Monday at a public hearing.