Business expansion decision delayed
WILTON – More than two years after Granite State Concrete first presented its expansion plans to the town, a potential decision is still weeks, perhaps months away.
On Wednesday night, the Planning Board deliberated for more than two hours on Granite State’s plans to expand its operation, and then decided to continue discussing the issue Dec. 21, at 7:30 p.m.
Although officials from Granite State and a number of neighbors who are opposed to the plan were present, the board took no further testimony. At several points, members asked those present for clarification of items, however.
On advice from counsel, board members stated that a written explanation will be in the hands of the town clerk within 20 days of a decision. The appeal process will begin 10 days after that, allowing interested parties time to get copies of minutes and the written decision.
The board went through the project checklist. At the suggestion of member Neil Faiman, items were rated as “easy” and “hard” to decide, with most of the hard items being set aside for further consideration, after all of the others were dispensed with, according to the minutes of the meeting.
Sticking points include the reclamation plan, height of “rises” and “benches” to be left along the cliff face, safety concerns, storm water run-off, and performance standards, including blasts and vibrations felt off-site.
Granite State has requested several waivers from town regulations, including having more than five acres open and operating at one time, and leaving a 3-to-1 slope.
Those topics were discussed, but no conclusions were reached.
Questions also arose about the current operation, which started up prior to regulations, and which is in an industrial zone.
While the expansion would be in a residential/agricultural zone, it was noted that all of the actual crushing should remain in the industrial zone.
The plan is not scheduled to be discussed at the next regular meeting of the Planning Board on Wednesday, Dec. 15.
The plan has been before the Planning Board for more than two years.
