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Residents say gravel pit operations violated zoning; selectmen say zoning has placed a temporary stop
Summary
Residents told the selectmen a gravel pit operation near their homes breached a required 60-foot buffer, removing trees and placing haul roads near property pins. The board said zoning has temporarily halted activity and will follow up with code enforcement.
Several residents addressed the Board of Selectmen during public comment to raise concerns about a gravel operation they say has encroached on privately owned land and violated the town’s zoning buffer requirements.
Brian Lockwood and other residents said a commercial operation behind their homes removed trees, installed a haul road close to property pins and failed to respect a 60-foot buffer intended to separate commercial excavation from rural residential property. “They cut the land. We tried to stop them. Had code enforcement out there. We don't want to get sued. So I got 49 of my trees of my property had gone,” Lockwood said, adding he had photographs and requested the town inspect the site.
Selectmen said zoning staff had reviewed the situation and placed a temporary stop on operations while the matter is investigated. A selectman told residents the town would follow up with code enforcement to confirm the status and next steps. The board noted that planning-board review and any required permits would be part of future hearings if the operator seeks to formalize the pit.
Code enforcement staff who addressed the board earlier explained the town’s complaint process: written complaints are preferred and files and permits will be reviewed to determine compliance. Selectmen encouraged the concerned residents to provide documentation to the code enforcement office and said the board would obtain a status update and report back.
