How would you react if a gravel pit or quarry moved into your neighborhood?
Sharon Willett, 53, Gray
“I wouldn’t like it because of all the dirt and big truck traffic while my grandkids are playing outside. And also one time a gravel truck broke my windshield. I couldn’t get the license plate because I couldn’t catch up with it and my windshield was cracked so I couldn’t see out of it.”
Mem MacKay, 53, Naples
“I wouldn’t like the added traffic or added noise. I probably wouldn’t sell my house because I like the location, but it certainly would devalue it.”
Chad Bilodeau, 21, Gray
“I guess I’d be mildly upset especially if it’s going to devalue my property. I don’t think I’d like to wake up to blasts at eight o’clock in the morning. But on the other hand, I understand that they have to put it somewhere.”
Maria Bills and son Charlie, 38, Gray
“I live near a gravel pit. It’s not active though. When we bought the property we knew it could become active. But the land was less expensive near the gravel pit and we could get privacy and the amount of land we wanted. It doesn’t really bother me if it becomes active but we’re about a tenth of a mile away so we’re far enough that we wouldn’t have to deal with the noise. But it’s daytime activity so that wouldn’t be a big deal.”
James Wilson, 70, Gorham
“The greatest good for the greatest many for the longest time. Teddy Roosevelt said that, and I believe it. If it’s not violating any of the town’s ordinances, it’s okay. But it should be done in good taste, and the owner should leave the land in better shape than when he found it. Then I wouldn’t have a problem with it. I don’t think anyone should have a problem with it.”
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