Residents press Select Board for noise rules as proposed gun range draws concern

A large group of residents addressed the Select Board to press for clearer noise standards after complaints about loud, repetitive disturbances — from ATVs and truck engine brakes to fireworks — and because a private parcel owner has stated an intention to develop a commercial shooting range. The board heard repeated calls for development rules that require mitigation up front rather than relying on enforcement after neighbors complain.

Town staff and residents discussed options including adding measurable decibel thresholds to site-plan review or developing a standalone noise ordinance. One resident said the problem is often repetition rather than a single loud event: "It's all about the repetition ... it's non-stop," a public commenter said. Staff recommended asking planning and code-review processes to require sound-mitigation plans at the permitting stage for commercial proposals so the town can address potential off-site impacts before operations begin.

The prospective range’s owner, who identified himself as Nicholas Gri, told the board “we haven't been doing any shooting” and stressed the project would proceed only through the normal permitting process with mitigation. Town staff confirmed an application had been submitted and later retracted; the planning board will review any new application with public notice and hearings.