Neighbors say distillery location would change Marlboro’s Ridge Road character

Several speakers framed their opposition as a defense of neighborhood character. Maria Nigro said the resort itself could be an asset but that placing a distillery on Ridge Road ‘‘right spank on Ridge Road’’ would harm families, seniors and children who use the road daily. Neighbors described the area as rural—without sidewalks or curbs—where residents walk dogs and children use the streets.

Applicant Michael Achenbaum disputed claims that property values would fall, saying the resort project would "raise the values of your homes" and bring overnight spending to the town. He and attorney Daniel Patrick said operational details and mitigation—landscaping, screening and limits on on‑site consumption—will be vetted in planning‑board review. Residents countered that the proposed placement of worker housing and activity near existing homes concentrated impacts on neighbors rather than on the resort’s remote parcels.

The board reiterated many of these concerns belong to planning‑board site‑plan review; the ZBA will decide only whether to grant the limited setback variance for the existing building.