Neighbors urge limits on occupancy, water monitoring and screening at Quarry House hearing

Several neighbors addressed the Land Use Board during the continued hearing on 1872 River Road, urging stricter controls on occupancy, water use and screening before the site opens as a hotel and event space.

William Hastings, who lives at 9 Old River Road, said there was "a breakdown of community happening because we have non-residents imposing on the surrounding properties," and raised safety, stormwater and grease-trap concerns. Residents including Guita Martorana pressed that current plans show greater event occupancy than the Zoning Board resolution allowed; Martorana said the plan now lists up to 117 people while she read the resolution as limiting the property to 79 because of parking constraints.

Other neighbors — Harry Gordon, Joel Coyne, John Martorana and Ulrike Zimmer — cited worries about dead ash trees, new grading creating water-course changes, impacts to private wells and ventilation/garbage routing. Ms. Zimmer suggested imposing a well monitor as a condition; Engineer Tom Decker said the system design is for 2,000 gpd but cautioned that a court might later overturn monitoring conditions. The board heard repeated concerns about screening and fencing and agreed staff and engineers would work with neighbors and the applicant on mitigation.

The hearing record shows strong neighborhood opposition on environmental and traffic grounds, but the Board ultimately approved the final plan after professionals reported review memos’ items were addressed and the applicant agreed to Belgium Block curbing and additional screening work.