Anti-landfill forces hold sway at Milton hearing

Part of the packed house at Nute High last night for a landfill hearing. (Les Elder photo)

MILTON - Standing room only was the word of the night last night as the Milton

Planning Board held public hearings on Zoning Amendment changes that will appear on the Ballot for Milton residents.

Approximately 300 people showed up to listen to the pros and cons of the amendments. Amendment #2 drew the lion's share of speakers. This amendment(s) which was three-fold would allow landfills in all zones of the Milton zoning ordinance.

It would #1, allow solid waste facilities, #2 Allow Recycling Centers, and #3 These solid waste facilities and Recycling Centers would be allowed in all zones within the boundaries of Milton as well as Milton Mills.

Approximately 35 people spoke against the zoning ordinances for various reasons which included environmental concerns, as well as safety issues. The main theme throughout the meeting was Milton needs to protect what it has now as well as the future.

Mike Currier, of Currier Plumbing and Heating, who submitted the petition, was the only person who spoke on behalf of the zoning changes. His reasoning for submitting the petition was "I feel this should be up to the Voters."

Members of the Milton Conservation Commission read two statements into the record regarding protecting our environment and natural resources.

Jock McKenzie from McKenzies Farm echoed many of the sentiments regarding possible pollution and air quality as well as quality of life that could be damaged irreversibly.

Letters were read into the Record from the Milton Three Ponds Protective Association asking people to consider the long-term ramifications of water pollution, not only to Milton but to others who are downstream on the Salmon Falls River as well as other tributaries that make up the watershed that feed into the Piscataqua River which ultimately empties into Great Bay.

Cynthia Wyatt, who manages more than 3,000 acres of tree farm as well as land that is in Conservation Easement, submitted two letters from a land use attorney that Branch Hill Farm had hired to get clarification of the proposed warrant article and the damage that passing it could create for Milton. These letters were paraphrased into the record.

All three of Milton's selectmen were there. Mike Beaulieau as well as Andrew Rawson voiced their support for doing everything in their lawful power to prevent this from happening in Milton.

Selectmen Chairman Tom Gray made no official comment.

The Planning board adjourned abruptly without making a recommendation.

Chairman Bryan Boyers said they had been presented with a lot of information and needed time to process the additional comments/information they had received.

The Planning Board will resume their discuss at their next regularly scheduled meeting.