An Open Letter to the Selectmen and Zoning Board of Winchester, NH,

Earlier this year a proposal was voted on by the Town of Winchester regarding the establishing of a Recycling / Compost Facility on Route 119 by N&M Properties of Brattleboro, VT. This proposal was voted down by a resounding margin as we all know. It is my understanding that inspite of the margin of defeat and the legitimate concerns of the people of Winchester a new attempt is being made to proceed with a similar plan under a different name. The same people who voted no the first time are very aware of what is happening and we have not changed our minds.

I was at the Planning Board Meeting on May 18, 2009 where one of the Stevens & Associates made clear that it is the intention of their client to revisit the Composting option for the Rt 119 property. I want you to know I am not in favor of changing ANY Zoning Regulations to accommodate this facility. Please let me explain my personal reasons for not wanting to allow this project. Many of my neighbors share these reasons.

I moved to Ashuelot because of its quiet and relatively remote location. I have invested many hours and dollars in restoring a lovely New England home on Rt 119.

The proposal to build a Recycle/Compost Facility, now being called an “Industrial Park” would ruin the tranquility we now enjoy with the addition of approximately 25 tractor trailers coming in and out of the facility each day. Those trucks along with trucks servicing a proposed Gravel Pit would destroy the small town feel and pristine environment we so much treasure here.

Should this project or any project of a similar nature be allowed to become a part of the tapestry of our town life it would only serve to set in stone our town status as a thoroughfare to be avoided. No one wants to live next to or near such a facility with the type of truck traffic it would generate. Regardless of what those proposing such a facility may say – I believe it will negatively impact all our property values.

I believe that beauty brings dignity to a community and I have sought to the best of my ability to bring beauty to my neighborhood and make people feel good about where they live. What possible beauty or advantage would this type of a facility would add to our town? I see only an estimated 25 trucks a day going in and out and future possible home buyers staying away due to the traffic, dirt and noise. Imagine having your home passed by tractor trailers 50 times a day, every day. That is exactly what our residents will face and there will be no turning back. We should all be against this.

Thank you very much for your consideration of this Resident Tax Payer,

William A. Phillips - Ashuelot, New Hampshire