SHELBURNE — The Zoning Board of Appeals held a virtual public hearing last week concerning S&N Logging’s request for a special permit to build a warehouse, with many abutters expressing anger about the noise and traffic the business produces.

S&N Logging hopes to build a new 7,200-square-foot warehouse at 247 Zerah Fiske Road. According to Kevin Parsons, an attorney representing S&N Logging, the proposal “is not an expansion of the business,” but rather “a relocation of personal property.”

Parsons explained the company logs local forests and brings the timber back to the Zerah Fiske Road property for processing. The business has existed for 11 years and employs seven people. Parsons emphasized that if the special permit is not issued, the business will still operate in the same capacity it has for years.

However, Zoning Board of Appeals member Noah Grunberg explained the board has received eight letters about lack of road safety due to trucks driving on Zerah Fiske Road. This sentiment was echoed by many community members who spoke, with others commenting on the high levels of noise. Abutter Steve McCormick commented that the noise from S&N Logging’s trucks early in the morning has negatively impacted his sleeping schedule.

Parsons argued that S&N Logging has been unfairly labeled for causing all the truck traffic on the road. He noted when the Cosby estate was replacing power lines, the noise level increased severely and S&N Logging was blamed. However, Parsons admitted to the company once receiving a cease and desist letter.

Despite their frustration about the business’ operations, many residents also expressed respect for business owner Andrew Nolan.

“We all respect them for their work ethic and their ambition,” resident Jack Boron said.

Near the end of the meeting, several Zoning Board of Appeals members and Parsons argued about the definition of agricultural use.

Shelburne is a right-to-farm community, and Parsons said S&N Logging falls under the definition of agriculture in Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 128, Section 1A, which includes “preparations for market, delivery to storage or to market or to carriers for transportation to market.”

Many board members disagreed, however.

“You may want to advise your clients to be careful moving forward,” ZBA Chair Joseph Palmeri told Parsons. “If they put the building in and someone files with the zoning officer, you could get yourself into hot water.”

The virtual public hearing will continue on Tuesday, Aug. 16, at 7:15 p.m. after the ZBA consults with a lawyer.

Contact Bella Levavi at blevavi@recorder.com or 413-930-4579.