| "I don't think anybody had an idea of the magnitude of the operation," a neighbor of Allied Recycling told selectmen Aug. 26.
Raymond Mosher referred to July aerial photos commissioned by another neighbor to show how the junkyard, largely screened from view at ground level, has grown on its 75-acre site off Route 1A in the past two years.
"The growth is frightening," Selectmen Chairman Cathy Winston said, estimating the operation has almost tripled in size in three years.
"That's not how you're supposed to run this business." Winston told owner Ed Jameson, referring to violations of the special permit under which the junkyard is operating. In a unanimous vote, selectmen gave Allied 30 days to comply with the permit and other conditions set forth after a May meeting -- including removing trailers from a prohibited area. Building Commissioner Jack Mee told the board Allied had agreed to be in compliance by mid-June, including the relocation of a mountain of scrap away from neighbors. But Allied has failed to live up to the commitments, according to Mee.
Jameson, who said he expected to be asked only about noise, said the trailers were being used for employees' weekend paintball games and that moving the scrap pile has been delayed by installation of a water line. Town Administrator Michael Boynton said the water line has been in place for weeks; board members chastised Jameson for not being prepared after Allied was notified of the full extent of what was to be discussed.
Mee said a new site plan is needed, specific on just what materials will be allowed in and where and how they'll be processed. Noting that Allied's business license expires Dec. 31, selectmen said they'll also be imposing strict limits if it is to be renewed.
Mosher said that Allied's business has "blossomed" in the last two years to the point that "we're closeting ourselves in our own homes" in an effort to escape noise and odors. Allied pounds junk vehicles flat with construction equipment, sending vibrations rolling through the area, he said. "This site is consuming the neighborhood."
He asked selectmen to consider what might be seeping into the town's sole source aquifer beneath the site.
-- Tom Glynn
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