Dear Neighbors,

Keep this date open: Tuesday, March 12, at 6:30 pm, at the Selectboard Hall, 3rd floor of Town Hall.

Springfield's Development Review Board has scheduled another hearing to consider Matt Priestley's application to change the lot boundaries at 825 Skitchewaug Trail. Priestley has said he wants to put a quarry on the land. He has said he needs the changes to avoid filing Act 250 permits that protect the land and local environment.

The Board delayed its decision on the application in part to discuss several issues with the town's lawyer. The attorney for the abutters challenged the application pointing out that Priestley had filed the wrong form and therefore it was invalid. She added that the application, if approved, would violate several state regulations. And she noted that because at least one member of the board had met privately with the applicant and toured the property, that violated state law.

Another reason the Board did not render its decision Feb 27th, was perhaps the public outcry against the proposed changes. An estimated 100 people showed up personally or via Zoom to oppose this application.

As many people said at the Feb. 27th meeting, a quarry would have serious negative impacts on the historic Spencer Hollow neighborhood. Attendees pointed out a quarry would mean, blasting, digging, dust, noise, haul trucks, on land that had been a forested reserve for deer and other wildlife and should still be protected by zoning.

Thanks to everyone who came out on Feb 27th. We need your continued support. Please forward this to anyone who might be interested. We hope to see you on the 12th.

If you have any questions, please contact Cathy or Doug at jratterrier@icloud.com

May 21, 2024, 10 to 10:45 AM

May 25, 9 AM to 2 PM, May 26, 2024

May 26, 2024, 3 to 5 PM