NORTHFIELD — The Zoning Board of Appeals will conduct a site visit of a proposed gravel pit expansion at 122 Old Bernardston Road before continuing deliberation on a special permit application submitted by Connecticut River Realty.
The expansion would take place on 16.77 acres on the west side of the approximately 80-acre property that is east of Bennett Brook and Pioneer Valley Regional School and west of the Connecticut River, according to the special permit project narrative. Connecticut River Realty acquired the property from Lane Construction Corporation in 2015. The site was previously used to mine gravel for the construction of Route 10 in 1969.
Attorney Kevin Parsons, who is representing Connecticut River Realty, said the project will dig approximately 80 feet deep and avoid the water table, which was not detected at a depth of 120 feet. Parsons said the parcel, along with neighboring land, has historically been used as a gravel pit and the expansion will continue to fit that character.
“This is not an unlimited, going-to-China type of thing at all,” Parsons said when describing the project. “The kind of operation we’re seeking to do is certainly not to the scale of what we see to the west, but it’s consistent to the use.”
Continuing his explanation of the project, Parsons said the applicant understands “there’s a number of people who are concerned” about the expansion of the pit, but Connecticut River Realty and Rob Mitchell, who owns the site, will have an “open-door policy” with the town, while providing an essential resource for construction and road work. Once excavation is complete, Parsons said Connecticut River Realty will reclaim the land for farming.
“Gravel and sand are in high demand and it’s only going to get tougher. … This is a material that your town needs,” Parsons said. “This is not an unreasonable request. It’s limited, it’s finite.”
When fully operational, Parsons said the gravel pit would employ four employees and an increase in traffic would be expected at points.
Several of the roughly 20 residents in attendance Thursday spoke out against the permit based on traffic, noise and dust concerns.
“Excavation noise and all that stuff will affect my house,” said parcel abutter Joseph Krusas. “I’m afraid if I wanted to move because I don’t like the conditions, I won’t be able to find a buyer. To say that it doesn’t have any detrimental effects on the neighborhood is probably stretching it.”
Jennifer Tufts and Gary Rucker’s home also abuts the property. Tufts accused Mitchell of being “anything but a good neighbor” in the past while running other mining operations in Northfield.
“Those who pay attention to the permitting process may remember in 2005 that Mr. Mitchell sued the ZBA on a technicality that not all the members were sworn in,” Tufts said. “We worry about our neighbors being subject to the same noise and traffic we lived with. … All of these have long-term consequences and I think we need to think really carefully.”
Parsons and Mitchell did not respond to Tufts’ accusations.
The ZBA suspended Thursday’s public hearing and set up a site visit for April 9. The board will continue to deliberate on the permit application on Thursday, May 5, at 7 p.m.
Chris Larabee can be reached at clarabee@recorder.com or 413-930-4081.