A long-awaited decision on whether to allow an asphalt plant in Gorham was delayed again this week by the Planning Board.
Shaw Brothers Construction Inc. is seeking permission to operate an asphalt plant and quarry on 125 acres zoned industrial on Mosher Road. Neighbors have aired several concerns, including health, noise and traffic, in public hearings.
Last week, the Gorham Planning Board gave the quarry the green light. Planners reviewed the asphalt plant request for nearly four hours Monday and will continue on Monday, April 28. The board didn’t set a time.
Just before the board adjourned at nearly 11 p.m., Susan Robie, who was re-elected chairwoman Monday, proposed adding an additional condition of approval to several already outlined. Robie’s proposal would have required the construction company to provide public complaints about odors from the asphalt plant to the town’s code enforcement office. The construction company would have to submit mitigation plans to the town.
But Danny Shaw, co-owner of the company, objected to her proposal. “You’re saying the code officer can shut it down,” Shaw protested, adding, “Look at the time we’ve spent on this. I’ve done everything required in the ordinance.”
Walt Stinson, the project engineer, called an odor complaint subjective.
Planning Board member Edward Zelmanow felt Robie’s proposed condition would be “unduly burdensome” on the company. Zelmanow was one of several board members who spoke about Robie’s proposed condition, and it failed to receive support.
Only six residents attended Monday’s hearing.
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