In a recent meeting of the Plymouth Planning Board, members voiced strong concerns over a proposed project that seeks to transform 17 acres of existing cranberry bogs into additional agricultural land. The plan, which involves the removal of over 2 million cubic yards of earth, has sparked significant debate among board members, who unanimously recommended denial to the zoning board of appeals.

The project, which aims to create an additional 9 acres of cranberry bogs and a 6-acre tailwater recovery pond, has raised alarms regarding its environmental impact and the disruption it could cause to the surrounding community. Board members highlighted that the extensive excavation would disturb more than half of the 130-acre site, with changes in topography reaching heights of 80 feet. This alteration, they argue, does not respect the natural landscape and could lead to long-term ecological damage.

Mr. Grandy, a board member, emphasized the lack of technical documentation supporting the necessity of such extensive earth removal, suggesting that the primary goal of the project appears to be sand and gravel extraction rather than agricultural development. He pointed out that previous permits for similar projects had not resulted in the promised agricultural outcomes, raising doubts about the applicant's intentions.

Concerns were also raised about the project's potential impact on local traffic, with projections indicating up to 55 vehicle trips per day, predominantly from trucks transporting removed materials. Board members expressed that the area is ill-equipped to handle such an influx, which could pose safety hazards to residents.

As the meeting progressed, board members echoed each other's sentiments, reinforcing the idea that the proposed project does not align with the community's needs or the preservation of the local environment. The board's recommendation for denial reflects a collective commitment to safeguarding the area’s topography and ensuring that any development respects the existing landscape and community dynamics.

With public comments set to follow, the board's stance signals a critical moment for the future of the proposed cranberry bog expansion, leaving residents and stakeholders eager to see how the zoning board will respond to these concerns.