Stories

So today was an interesting one at work. Last week, Mary gave me a story from the AP, about an author in Buffalo Grove (and yes, John, that's Illinois) who had writtn a book which was the worst selling book in the history of Amazon (he has sold one, that's O-N-E copy of said book). Well, I interviewed him today, but I'll save that for when the story comes out to talk about it more. I have some thoughts on baseball and other things, but this is going to be a long post, so I'll save them for tomorrow. The stories from two weeks ago are the final five, the one's before them are from last week (John, you might recognize the events of the first story):


Board begins process of replacing Stimpson
By Jim Shilander
Staff Writer
NEW DURHAM — While the New Durham Board of Selectmen was down to only two members following the resignation of Chairman Dean Stimpson, the board continued the business that was scheduled for the week as well as clarified the process to replace Stimpson.
Selectman Ron Gehl said at the meeting that he wished to have "an open process, open to every registered voter in the town." Currently the board is looking for letters of intent addressed to the board from candidates, including information to inform the board about their experience. Selectman Dwight Jones said that currently "the law says the selectmen must appoint (a replacement)," and that the position has to be open to all citizens, and not just turned over to the second place finisher in the last election. Those involved in the last election could be a part of the process as well, however. The application process will be closed July 18.
Citing a heavy summer workload, Jones, the longest serving of the current selectmen, said that he would be unable to fulfill the duties of chairman at the present time. Those duties then fell to Gehl, who said, "against my better judgment, I accept." Gehl was given the post for a six-month period ending in December. The board then offered tributes and words about Stimpson, Gehl saying the board "will miss his experience and perspective."
Jones said later that he had talked to Stimpson about his situation earlier. "He had been thinking about it. I asked him to stay on. If he needs the rest, he needs the rest."
Other business
The board agreed to look at the access to the solid waste facility after concerns were raised that the gates might need to be widened to accommodate more traffic. Road Agent Mark Fuller and the board agreed to look at the area and find possible solutions.
Three applications for building permits in the Copple Crown Village District were reviewed; this is an area that has seen a large number of such applications recently. The board conditionally approved one of the applications; the applicant, Peter Cempellin, would be required to make improvements to the drainage in the area. The board also decided to look further at the two other applications, and did not give approval yet.
The board was also presented with a report from Ed Niester, who had solicited bids for roof repairs to the fire station as part of the Fire Station Task Force. Niester reported that the current surface of the roof and the current trust system would need extensive repairs to meet new code requirements.
"The current trust system is in danger of twisting," he said. He did say however, that if significant improvements were made to the roof system, the fire station roof could be brought up to code and be fit for other uses after the department moves into the new station in the coming years.
Niester described the replacement of the roof’s surface as "critical," citing the need for a slick surface, which would keep snow from settling on the roof. Bids had been solicited from roofing firms in the area, and three responded.
Fire Chief John Nicastro said that the roof repair was a part of this year’s budget. The board agreed to look at the bids and act on recommendations quickly, in order to start work this year.
The board also agreed to a new policy regarding the taping of town meetings. The regulation, which was on its fourth draft, required certain town meetings to be taped for broadcast on Wolfeboro Community TV, and also allowed for every posted meeting to be taped for broadcast. A controversial provision allowed for community groups to use the equipment to tape their events as well.
Town resident (and Planning Board alternate) Cathy Orlowicz was concerned that the camera might be damaged at such an event and that the town might need to replace the camera, and also that the town’s equipment might be being used in improper ways. The board adopted the policy, with the provision that it be looked at again, particularly the Community Use section, in six months.
PD ahead of gas prediction
Police Chief Shawn Bernier reported that the town’s officers were currently ahead of projected gas consumption rates. He also reported that the K-9 unit performed well at a competition for dogs across the east coast (see story page A2, photograph, A1), and there had been an attack in the town by a rabid fox on a friend of a town resident (see story page A1).
License dog or forfeit
The chief also encouraged town residents to come to the town offices to have their dogs licensed, as over 100 civil forfeiture notices had been sent out with officers for unlicensed dogs.
Yard junk could cause dam problem
Fuller and Bernier also reported there were serious problems with residents having junk in their yards on Main St. and Rte. 11. Fuller said the problem on Main St. was so bad that in posed problems for service of the towns dam by the Highway Department. Solutions for both areas are currently being looked at by the Police, with varying degrees of cooperation by the homeowners involved, said Bernier.


Rabid fox attacks in New Durham
By Jim Shilander
Staff Writer
NEW DURHAM — Jean Malay says that her husband Bill’s niece was simply trying to play with her 10-week-old puppy on July 2, when she sat down in the family’s hammock.
Soon after sitting down, however, the young woman’s ankle was attacked by a fox, which had come darting out of the woods. As she yelled in pain, Bill Malay and his son, as well as the woman’s husband, came running out of the house to see what was wrong. "She had the fox by neck," said Malay, "she was trying to get it off." Malay said that the two men were eventually able to get the fox off of the woman, but only after it had left deep lacerations from the bite (the young puppy was unharmed).
As the woman’s husband took her to the hospital, Bill Malay and his son tended to the fox, said Jean Malay. "They put it in a box in the boat house and covered it up," she says. "I called 911 to get someone to get the fox." The New Durham Police responded, said Malay, "and they called animal control."
The fox was placed in one of the kennels next to the New Durham Police station on Saturday night, according to Malay. She said she was told that animal control would be coming soon to pick up the animal and have it tested for rabies.
No one came to pick up the fox until Tuesday, however.
Sgt. Jim Juneau of the Fish and Game Department said that this was the result of closures of offices for the long holiday weekend. When officers arrived to pick up the fox Tuesday, July 5, it had died.
Juneau says that despite the animal’s death, it could be given an "expedited testing process" to check if it was rabid. The testing proved positive for rabies.
Jean Malay says she received the news the fox was rabid on Wednesday, which prompted other members of the family to get their own rabies shots (the niece had her shots given at the hospital right away).
Jean Milay said that "everyone is okay," now. The victim is now back in Maryland and resting. Jean Malay did say, however, that she was keeping a closer eye on her cat.
Malay said that the fox had porcupine quills in its mouth when the attacked occurred, as well as having quills in its face, and had apparently been sprayed by a skunk. Juneau agreed with the Malays that these were signs that the fox might have been rabid. "For wild animals, that’s generally atypical. It (that contact with such other animals) typically would be a sign that this is a rabid animal."
Juneau said that the fox attack marked the seventh confirmed case of rabies in an animal so far this year. At this time last year, there were 10 confirmed cases.
He said, however, that such a number only reflects cases where the animal had been tested after coming into contact with humans or domesticated animals. Juneau said that so far, a skunk, a bat, the fox and several raccoons had tested positive for rabies all around the state.
Juneau recommends that if anyone had reason to believe that their domesticated animal had been in contact with a wild one, they should take precautions, especially to protect their eyes and skin. "People need to protect themselves first," in such situations, Juneau says.


Maple Street, driveway or parkway?
By Jim Shilander
Staff Writer
BARNSTEAD — Tuesday’s public hearing on a Maple St. parking ordinance drew the most heated discussion of the night at the selectmen’s meeting. Should there be parking allowed on either side of much of Maple Street?
John and Deb Milano, who will soon be opening their Whistle Stop Café near the end of the street, said that the very few spots available near their restaurant might limit their business.
Other residents of Maple St. spoke up both for and against the proposed ordinance. Jean Terry remarked that very often, fire trucks cannot get through the street and that she often has to back up on the road given how narrow it gets. Longtime Maple St. resident Arthur Gross (who said he has been living on the street since the 40’s) asked the selectmen for an explanation as to why the effort to put forth the ordinance was being made now, especially since there were few problems in years past.
Selectman Jack O’Neil said that town residents had brought the issue before the Planning Board and BOS. He also said that there was a general concern about the ability for emergency vehicles to operate in the area. He added that the street as a whole would not be affected, since the area around Barnstead Elementary School and St. Paul’s Church has a wider road area.
O’Neil said that he believed the risk of an accident or fatality was too great to risk the current parking situation, especially with the added business on the street.
After several other proposals were suggested, including making the road a one way street, and having the ordinance only be in effect Mondays through Fridays, the board agreed to a suggestion by member Frank Sullivan. His idea was to study the effect of the Whistle Stop Café on traffic in the area for the next 60 days, and then take another look at what might be needed in the area.
Cruiser news
Police Chief Ken Borgia defended his previous statements regarding the purchase of the town’s new police cruiser. He said that he had told the board and also the town meeting, that the warrant article allowing the department only $26,000 would not totally outfit the vehicle with everything.
He felt that at a previous meeting, the board had not defended his actions enough. "I take offense when there’s a comment made that I promised the town a fully marked cruiser," Borgia said.
Currently, the cruiser still needs paint, decals, a cage, and a light bar to be totally outfitted, and that would take additional money. The selectmen agreed that in future warrant articles; more detailed language was needed to clear up similar confusion. O’Neil said that the last one was subject to more interpretation, which helped to cause the misunderstanding.
Other department heads attended the board meeting as well. O’Neil said that the department meeting was taking place in order to better foster communication between departments and the selectmen. He took special care to point out that the board was not trying to micro-manage the departments by having them meet.
Leaking cistern
Assistant Fire Chief Shawn Mulcahy informed the board that a cistern that had been put in earlier this year had been leaking, and that currently, the installers and contractor were trying to figure out who would have to remove the current one and replace it. "This one wouldn’t last five or 10 years," said Mulcahy, "we want it to last for 50." Mulcahy said that even as the cistern was being put in, many in the department believed it to be a "shoddy job."
Missing milfoil signs
Resident Brian White also informed the selectmen that several signs telling boaters to check for milfoil were missing, and that Milfoil on the Suncook River would be looked at this coming weekend.


New Durham’s K-9 is one of the top dogs in New England
By Jim Shilander
Staff Writer
NEW DURHAM — New Durham Police Chief Shawn Bernier says that "K-9 Louie," the department’s German Shepherd (and he was actually brought over from Germany), was named for a colleague in the Portsmouth Police Dept. with whom he’s trained dogs for 13 years. It seems that with this dog, however, 13 is not an unlucky number at all.
At a recent regional competition held for police dogs throughout New England at Pease Air Force Base in Portsmouth, Louie finished third in the novice division, for dogs competing for the first time.
The event, which was sponsored by the United States Police Canine Association, was a judged event. Dogs competed in six categories including Obedience, Agility, Article searches (looking for items such as a shotgun shell in a field, according to Bernier) suspect search (which involves finding a person hidden in one of several boxes), and two separate apprehension categories, one with and one without gunfire involved. Louie won two of the individual categories, placing first in his group in the suspect search, as well as winning the combined search category award after finishing second in the article search.
He also placed second in the agility competition. Louie, it would seem, also plays well with others, as he placed first in the team competition, in which he and dogs from Dover, Barrington and Portsmouth competed as a group. With his high showing, Louie earned a spot at the national competition, which will be held later this year in Indiana.
While Louie has been a part of Bernier’s life for about a year (thanks to a grant from the Working Dog Foundation, which brought this K-9 champ to the US), he’s not the first dog he has trained for work in New Durham.
Previous dogs included two Rottweilers, Tank and Bear. However, with his new duties as chief, Bernier says, "This will be my last dog, some one else in the department will be taking over that role." (See photograph on A-1)


New salon brings spa treatment to New Durham
By Jim Shilander
Staff Writer
NEW DURHAM — Samantha Cassell has been in the business of cutting and styling hair for several years. Yet for much of that time, Cassell has been commuting to other positions from her New Durham home, her last position was at a salon in Dover.
Recently, Cassell’s husband Mike suggested that she go into business for herself. "If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be here today," says Cassell. "Here" is her new salon on Depot Road (off Route 11), Samantha Styles, which features styling (including cuts, coloring, perms, and highlighting), pedicures, waxing, and other services. Cassell is looking into massage services, too, for the future. The salon is one of only a handful in New Durham.
Cassell says that one of the keys to making her new venture a success is the location of the salon. "The key is the traffic in the area," she says, "it’s right near the general store, the town hall and the post office."
She hopes that the area will be open to her new venture, and she says that early returns have been good so far, "We were booked all day Friday (July 8, the opening day of the salon) and Saturday." The salon is open Tuesdays through Sundays. Cassell made special note to remind people about the Sunday hours, emphasizing that while many other businesses in the area are closed Sunday, she remains open.
Cassell has a simple philosophy when it comes to styling a client. In fact, it’s for the shop is literally written on her sign, "A place all about you." She believes that when it comes to an appointment, "My time is dedicated to them when they’re in my chair."


Teens head to the Allagash for a wild adventure
By Jim Shilander
Staff Writer
WOLFEBORO — This year, the Appalachian Mountain Teen Project in Wolfeboro will return to an old stomping ground for one of their longest events of the year. With the help of two staff members, teens from Laconia, Alton, Wakefield, Gilford and Wolfeboro will be making the nine-hour trip into Northern Maine, to the Allagash Wilderness Waterway area. There, the students will be camping out, and paddling through the area’s lakes, rivers and streams, for the next eight-and-a-half-days.
Jamie Hannon of the AMTP, who will co-lead the trip with Kristen Reilly, said, "The organization "hasn’t gone up (to the area) for several years, but it was once a regular trip." Hannon, who has personally done the trip several times, said that this is "one of the most remote river trips in New England," and is known for its scenic beauty, wildlife, and its lack of crowds.
Still, the focus of the trip is not just for teens to see the sights in area, but to create "a really great opportunity for a group of teenagers to bond, to face challenges and feel success with those challenges," Hannon said.
The group will head out this Sunday morning, July 17, and will return the July 26. "For all of them (the teen participants), this will be their longest camping trip ever, for several, it will be their first," says Hannon. While up in Maine, the teens will be doing all of their own cooking, cleaning, and will even be chopping their own firewood. They will also be taking in the wildlife of the area, including moose, eagles and lynx, as well as doing their own fishing.
Hannon says that community sponsors have been vital in putting together the trip, "other wise it might not be possible for a group of kids to come."
The Appalachian Mountain Teen Project has also been sponsoring other events in the area, including a fishing and canoe series, hiking days in the Ossipee Mountains, and will be putting together rock climbing trips in August.


New Restaurant opens in New Durham
By Jim Shilander
Staff Writer
NEW DURHAM — Those traveling down Route 11 might notice the signage for the restaurant located along the highway has changed. But that certainly isn’t everything that’s changed about the restaurant.
The site, formerly occupied by the New Durham Railway Station restaurant, and has been completely redone, according to Johnson’s Seafood and Steak co-owner Ken West.
"We completely gutted the restaurant, everything has been replaced, including the siding and the septic tank. Everything down to the studs," said West.
Town Code Enforcement Officer Dave Lindberg echoed that sentiment, saying that all that was left of the previous set up was "four walls and a floor." Lindberg added that many of the changes were necessary, including the new wiring, to bring the building up to code.
West says that he and his business partner, Jeff Fenerty, have been working in the restaurant business for more than 50 years, combined.
West and his wife, who live in Eliot, Maine, are expecting their first child later this year. West said that the opening of a new restaurant and expecting his first child actually are similar in a lot of ways, "but the child is much more important."
The newly redone dining room features a kind of rustic feel, but also seats 160 patrons, more than the Railway Station. The tables and benches in the dining area are all new as well. West says that the new restaurant has been "busier than expected," since it opened last Monday, with a menu featuring items like steak tips, scallops and lobster rolls, along with Richardson’s ice cream. West says that the dining room is the majority of the business, but there are also outdoor picnic tables and a take-out menu.
West said that he and Fenerty found the construction process as a whole to be the most difficult part of the project. "We’re not developers," he said.
West added that the town of New Durham had been very receptive and helpful as the business got up and ready.
He paid particular compliment to Lindberg, whom West said was very helpful in explaining what needed to be done on the property.


Orlowicz says scholarship is above board
By Jim Shilander
Staff Writer
NEW DURHAM — At the July 6 Selectmen’s meeting, some confusion regarding the Douglas Scruton Memorial Scholarship was discussed. Planning Board alternate Cathy Orlowicz would like to clear up any confusion regarding this scholarship, specifically that "There are no illegal activities."
There did seem to be some disagreement among board members and residents about the Scruton scholarship’s status. The issue involved whether or not checks had been made out to the town for the scholarship and the scholarship’s status.
Police Chief Shawn Bernier was at the meeting and said he felt that "The perception at the Selectmen’s meeting was that she (Orlowicz) was doing something illegal. Nothing illegal is going on." Bernier added that he had looked at everything Orlowicz had done up to that point, and found nothing illegal going on either.
Orlowicz says that she is "not sure what was said at the meeting," regarding the issue, as she has yet to be able to view the recording of the meeting. She did say, however, that she had gone through an extensive process to set up the scholarship up to this point. "I talked to the attorney general’s office, lawyers, bankers and the IRS," says Orlowicz, who says that none of the checks she knew of were made out to the town.
Selectman Ron Gehl said that there had been a misunderstanding, and that there had been confusion related to an article written in another newspaper that seemed to give the impression that a trust fund had been set up.
Gehl says that "it was certainly not the intent," if the impression was given that illegal things were taking place. "It was just a question about whether we were following proper procedure."
Orlowicz says that if there were not this perception of illegality, she would have been presented the scholarship to the town to hand over to the town trustees to manage. Orlowicz says that this is currently the situation with similar scholarships, including the Richard Bickford scholarship.
Orlowicz says that the situation is different now. "This has to be handled differently now that there is perception of illegal activity."
She added that she was working with lawyers to find the best way to proceed. "Its unfortunate, one phone call would have made a big difference," says Orlowicz.
Orlowicz added that while the funding issues are still being decided, she would be continuing her training for the 2006 Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C., which was the focus of her fund-raising activities. "People are excited that this is a scholarship that will benefit students of New Durham only," Orlowicz says, adding that Scruton was well known in the community for his commitment to the children of New Durham.
Scruton, New Durham’s former police chief, died suddenly last July, at 56. He was honored earlier this year when the Police Department named its new building for him, as well as dedicating a bench. At this memorial service, Orlowicz announced that she was going to try and put together a scholarship in his honor.


Hannaford breaking ground soon, soon
By Jim Shilander
Staff Writer
ALTON— While initial, and perhaps optimistic, plans were made for the groundbreaking of the Alton Hannaford’s supermarket last month, it was not to be. A more realistic timetable has been put in place, however, that may allow such a ceremony to take place later this month.
Alton Town Planner Kathy Menici, who inherited the project from her predecessor after much of the work on the plans had been done, said that the developers "are still setting everything."
She added that the project, which will be the largest commercial building project in Alton’s history, has faced some unique challenges, but also has been subject to similar pitfalls that apply to smaller projects as well.
"Coordinating all of that (the pieces needed for the project), to the point where they can begin construction is a huge task." Menici added that in her years in involvement with construction, she has never "seen a project actually start when they hope to."
The June groundbreaking had been the initial goal of developer Bob Bahre’s team, but issues involving turnaround with state agencies and those involving wetlands in the area have been among those delaying the project.
Menici, however, said that she will be having a pre-construction meeting with the developers next week. She expects actual construction to begin three to five weeks after this meeting. Representatives of both the developer and Hannaford’s were contacted for this article, but did not respond by press time.
Menici speculated that designing the project to reduce impact on the wetlands in the area was a challenge for the development team, as was having to deal with state agencies.
She said that for now, until the traffic pattern can be studied, a yellow signal light will be installed when the store opens its location near the traffic circle, and that there might be a "possibility down the road for a signalized intersection."
"With a project of this magnitude, its not unusual for a late start," Menici also said. The development groups put forward their best effort, she explained, but have to rely on state agencies.


Playing and growing in Alton
By Jim Shilander
Staff Writer
ALTON — While many parents often have a hard time figuring out what to do with their school age children during the summer, those with young children also face the same problems. Older siblings still might not be old enough to keep watch over their brothers and sisters all summer, and those that are may have a summer job. Also, many new parents and those new to the area face additional stresses of having to create a new family dynamic. Fortunately, for those in Alton, there is a program that allows parents to interact with their children and other parents to help alleviate some of those stresses, and begin to build social interaction skills in children.
The Play, Learn and Grow program was begun in Alton last year, according to Laura MacStravic and Tami Carpentiere, who help run the drop-in-program located at the Alton Bay Community Center. The two said that a similar program located in Laconia, "Giggles and Grins," helped to provide the inspiration for the program in Alton, which began in March of 2004.
"The parents who started the Alton playgroup had been members (of the one in Laconia)," according to Carpentiere. MacStravic says that she originally was a part of the program, along with her son Liam, and when the founders’ children became to old for the program, signed on to help lead it.
She says that the program helped to ease her transition into Alton, as she and her family had only recently moved in prior to her involvement. "I know so many more people, because of this program," she says, adding, "It is definitely a good place for parents to talk."
The program is intended for children from infants to age 5. MacStravic says that many of the activities are intended for toddlers and very young children, and that "six year olds kind of get bored with the activities planned for toddlers," especially, she says, once the older children start school.
The program does require that caretakers or parents of the children involved be present to allow them to be part of the playgroup. "We provide the toys and space," says MacStravic, "the parents provide the interaction." Still, the program is free for those who attend the Tuesday and Thursday activities.
The group is sponsored by several county and regional groups, and the Alton Parks and Recreation Department provides the space for free. "The town has been pretty helpful," says MacStravic.
Carpentiere says that the program is in Alton to help "social interaction and to help parents who need help with their parenting skills." With that in mind, parents can help organize events, such as CPR classes, through the group’s online message board (altonsplaygroup.proboards31.com).
Additional information on the program can be obtained at the Alton Parks and Recreation office. The Play, Learn and Grow program runs from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.


Fireworks as aah-some as always
By Jim Shilander
Staff Writer
ALTON — Thousands gathered on the water and on land to watch the annual Alton Fireworks display July 2. Hundreds of boats floated for hours in Alton Bay in anticipation of the fireworks display, which was launched from two barges anchored in the Bay. Thousands sat or stood along the commercial areas of town, and bridges and other areas were filled with people looking to view the show.
The show featured blasts of red, white and blue, along with green and multicolored fireworks. Patriotic songs played from the town’s gazebo, and the mood was set as a celebration of the 229th anniversary of the nation’s independence.
With all of these people in the Bay at once, there were some logistical issues. Nearly every available parking space in the area, and along Route 28A was used, and some "spots" had to be improvised by creative attendees. Also, there was some consternation expressed by the crowds as the fireworks display was delayed for the final setting of the sun and twilight. While scheduled to begin at 9:20 pm, the first fireworks did not start going up for another 25 minutes, and the show did not start in earnest for another five.
Still, most seemed to be very pleased with the display. A large ovation followed both of the climactic displays from each barge, and ten or fifteen minutes later, those who attended were still loudly shouting "fantastic" and "bravo."
Steve Stock, of Barnstead, who attends the Alton fireworks annually, said that the Alton fireworks "are one of the best in the area." Comments from those who attended were that this year’s was no different, and was worth the extra time and traffic.


New Durham Planners continue look at Master Plan sections
By Jim Shilander
Staff Writer
NEW DURHAM — While the New Durham Planning Board’s discussion of the most recent revisions to sections of the town’s Master Plan dominated much of the July 5 meeting, other business was conducted as well.
The board accepted the application of Paul and Mary George for a three-lot subdivision of their property on Brackett Rd. The board did make their acceptance contingent on the addition of materials to the current plans they had received, including markers for utility poles, test pits and soil data, but received assurances from Paul George and his agent, that those changes would be forthcoming. Vice Chairman Don Voltz said that the lot itself was "comfortably oversized" and was thus likely to fulfill all requirements with regards to setbacks.
George also agreed to allow the town to widen Brackett Rd. along his property, where it currently narrows. A site walk was scheduled for July 18 at 8 a.m. and the public hearing on the application continued to the Aug. 2 meeting of the board.
The planners also were scheduled to meet with local horticulturist Les Turner about the subdivision of his lot on Old Rte. 11, but issues involving the design, as well as the fact that one of the abutters had not received notice of the public hearing, caused the board to continue the application as well.
Much as the Master Plan discussion focused on the cosmetic changes the board had discussed in recent weeks. Issues of grammar and language were the primary concern.
Local resident Jim Taylor suggested a line that would mandate town officials adhere to town rules also suggest ways for citizens to become involved, as well as giving resources to officials charged with enforcing town regulations and statutes. The discussion on the matter will continue at the July 19 Planning Board workshop meeting, where they will also discuss the Open Space Subdivision ordinance.


Planners keep on trucking, applications studied
By Jim Shilander
Staff Writer
ALTON — While the June 21 Alton Planning Board meeting ended, there was still work to be done. So the board reconvened June 28 to look at some of the outstanding appointments from the week before.
A close look was taken at the application of Midwest Towers LLC, which was proposing the construction of cellular antennae on Prospect Mountain Rd. Gillan Marine, which is proposing to expand a boat sales facility and to build a new 11,600 sq. foot building on the property located on Route 11, was also under the board’s microscope June 28.
The tower application’s acceptance was not granted at this meeting. Board member Tom Varney talked about the current antenna owned by US Cellular, and whether or not there might be a violation with the new towers installed there. Town Planner Kathy Menici said that no site plan had been put in for the newest antennas, though a representative of the company did meet with her to say that they will work with the town to straighten things out.
The non-compliance of the US Cellular tower, however, may affect the acceptance and ultimately, the approval, of the application of Midwest Towers’ project. Menici said at the meeting that the owners of the tower were the ones who informed the town of the violation, not US Cellular.
She also said that the company has not been cooperating with the owners. The board passed a motion to continue the discussion of the Midwest Tower application. This motion also included allowing Menici to contact the tower owner to urge him to contact US Cellular in writing and to let the code enforcement officer know that the site was in violation.
Gillan Marine
There was some discussion about the ability of Gillan Marine’s proposed site to comply with town regulations. Menici reported that areas that were supposed to be used for parking were know display areas, and that areas that were supposed to have grass were paved over.
Ernest Gillan said at the meeting that the code enforcement officer had told him to go ahead with plans to pave the parking lot, and that he did not need a permit for such actions. Menici reported that the code officer disagreed with that version of events.
The board agreed to continue the discussion of acceptance of the application at their July 19 meeting, and that the board as a whole would conduct a compliance inspection of the site July 7.