The quarry issue could affect you

Editor,

There is a dangerous neighbor that could move in next to any resident of Windham. This neighbor is a commercial quarry and a concrete plant as an accessory use.

A quarry or a gravel pit is an allowed use in any zoned area in the town of Windham. This is a Mineral Springs, North Windham, Windham Hill, East Windham, and a South Windham issue. A quarry could go in next to anyone’s house and virtually any business in the town of Windham.

The time, sweat and money that Windham residents have invested in their homes and businesses over the countless years could be wiped out in an instant due to the health hazards, noise, pollution, vibrations, dust and traffic.

This case is not an issue of people moving into an area and complaining about an existing business. The current businesses and residents have been here for years and are part of the fabric of the Windham community.

Through the Department of Environmental Protection, quarries now receive a performance-based registration instead of through the Site Location of Development Law because of a 1996 law change. This means that the applicant needs to pay a fee and fill out papers to receive D.E.P. approval before opening a quarry and not through site visits. The DEP no longer protects our environment. Towns are now responsible for permitting quarries and pits and establishing conditions. The mineral extraction ordinance of the town of Windham is many years old and outdated. The ordinance does not reflect the DEP law changes.

The Windham Preservation Committee wants to amend the ordinance to reflect the changes at the state level. This is not designed to limit landowners’ rights. For example, the intent for mineral extraction in a farm zone was intended for farmers to clear land and make foundations for barns. The intent was not for a large commercial quarry with a concrete plant to be allowed in a farm zone. The Windham Preservation Commission understands the need for the farm zone to have mineral extraction rights in order for many to do business. However, the commission wants to empower Windham to update its ordinances while keeping the vision of the Comprehensive Plan and state standards.

The Windham Preservation Commission has started a petition drive to amend the current Windham mineral extraction ordinance in order to align it with current state standards and protect the quality of life for many Windham residents and businesses. If you believe that the Windham ordinance needs to be aligned to state standards and to protect the town of Windham please sign the petition at Avant Garde Pet Care 301 Roosevelt Trail (Route 302), Pete’s Auto at 357 Roosevelt Trail, or Northeastern Motel at 322 Roosevelt Trail.

Windham is the gateway to the Lakes Region for many tourists, commuters and developers. We need to ensure that the vision we all have for Windham is not lost.

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