Alton residents voice concerns on proposed trailer park and land clearing issues

Concerns over noise, environmental impact, and community character dominated the recent Town Council meeting in Alton, NH, as residents voiced their opposition to a proposed mobile home park. The meeting, held on May 1, 2025, saw multiple residents express their frustrations regarding the ongoing construction activities and the potential implications of the new development.

Valerie Justine, a local resident, raised alarms about excessive land clearing, urging the Board to investigate whether the activities exceeded authorized limits. She highlighted the noise disturbances caused by machinery operating late into the night, suggesting that working hours should be regulated to preserve the neighborhood's tranquility. “We can’t sit outside in our house,” she lamented, advocating for a compromise that would restrict noisy operations to daylight hours.

Other residents echoed her sentiments, with concerns about the environmental degradation from the clear-cutting of trees and the potential for increased runoff affecting their properties. David O'Neil, another local, warned that the proposed 38-unit development could lead to significant increases in traffic and noise, estimating that it could add up to 80 children to the local school system, which would strain community resources.

Jim Fernandez, a builder with decades of experience, criticized the development's planning, claiming that the land had been improperly cleared and that the proposed layout would exacerbate runoff issues. He urged the Board to consider the long-term impacts on the community's rural character, stating, “If we fill this up with trailer parks... it’s going to lose its character quite fast.”

Residents also expressed fears about safety, particularly regarding traffic and the potential for the development to include halfway houses, which could further alter the neighborhood's dynamics. Jesse Pauley, a concerned neighbor, emphasized the importance of maintaining Alton's rural feel, arguing that the proposed development contradicts the town's master plan aimed at preserving its character.

As the meeting concluded, the Town Council faced mounting pressure to address these concerns before making any final decisions on the mobile home park proposal. The discussions underscored a community deeply invested in preserving its identity and quality of life amidst growing development pressures.