Attorney for proposed asphalt plant seeks land split

The attorney representing Newport Materials LLC's pitch to build an asphalt plant on its property on Groton Road asked the Planning Board last night to approve a subdivision of the land, but was coy about why.

[Know Land]

If a preliminary subdivision is followed by a definitive within 8 months, the land shown on the plan gains protection from zoning changes for 8 years from the date of endorsement on the final plans.

So if Westford tried to pass a bylaw to prohibit/limit the use, they would be under the current regulations for the next 9-10 years depending on how long it takes to get approved.

Protection against a zoning change like the one Billerica proposed to regulate the power plant?? Most likely!

[OldYankee]

When sombody gives an evasive answer I am always suspicious of their intent. What are they trying to hide?

[Interesting]

You have to watch Deschenes very closely.

[Open Your Eyes]

OldYankee wrote:

When sombody gives an evasive answer I am always suspicious of their intent. What are they trying to hide?

To subdivide the property into two lots," which is just an omission of facts.

But by then stating,“There is no purpose at this time." Is an outright LIE, Deschenes gave a several hour presentation on the intention of using this site for an asphalt plant!

I feel if the Bar Association held attorney’s to a higher standard and enforced the standard this type of ethical behavior would begin to cease.

[jerry]

Open Your Eyes wrote:

<quoted text>
To subdivide the property into two lots," which is just an omission of facts.
But by then stating,“There is no purpose at this time." Is an outright LIE, Deschenes gave a several hour presentation on the intention of using this site for an asphalt plant!
I feel if the Bar Association held attorney’s to a higher standard and enforced the standard this type of ethical behavior would begin to cease.

Dechenes has already been censured and fined for his lack of ethics.

[Maggie]

They are up to something. They are worried about all of the opposition-sooooo. You had better believe that whatever they propose is NOT in the best interests of the neighborhood.

[hal]

I never begrudge anyone a living or a chance to make money - it is the american way but when you walk into a new town into a beautifully wooded area that is somewhat peaceful and surrounded by people's home and decide to disrupt everyone's life with toxic noise and pollution...no thank you! these people dont care about anyone but themselves and their money. the portsmouth asphalt plant they keep comparing themselves to has many problems and has been under scrutiny by the NHDEP (reports can be found online) these people are not good neighbors!

How many asphalt plants do we need any way? is there really a need for all of this hot top?

And where are all the lunatic "Open space" people in chelmsford? why aren't they screaming about this and global warming etc etc?

come on people, stand up and say no...come to the meeting and make yourself heard!!

[jgags]

come on people stop being so negative against NM.Asphalt plants are built now a days so enviromental friendly and don't give off harmful toxins. The plants are monitored by EPA and there regulations.There is no smoke or awful smell coming from plant in these days.So lets stop bashing a situation that people don't even know.Do a little more research on GREEN ASPHALT PLANTS and look at positive points this company could bring.I have followed all the peoples comments and I would say the people are being negative over a matter they don't even know or understand.