What are people saying?
The comments below were sent to Concerned Citizens through this web site, letters, emails and editorial comments in newspapers. They are not necessarily the opinions of Concerned Citizens but reflect what the people are feeling and thinking who submitted the comments.
To submit your comments and concerns using our Speak Out form,
please click here:
Way to go Groton voters! Thanks all around for everyone's participation and concern regarding this vote to retain our peace and quiet. Stay on your toes, keep informed, protect your rare and precious environment. This is just the beginning, more work to come. Your neighbor and fellow townsperson...
Groton Resident
I recently looked at
a camp/property on the northern end of Edgar Albert Road. The listing
realtor casually mentioned the NATL proposal which after researching on the
internet, I have learned is not something to be casual about. I now believe
it is the reason the property is being sold, and I am quite reluctant to
purchase it, despite its wonderful charm.
Good for you all for organizing and I hope the interim ordinance is passed
(I'd love to live in Groton!).
I'm Interested But Live Outside Of Groton
My husband and I own 110 acres of woodland in Groton; we cherish it for its natural beauty and have harvested some of its timber in order to cover college expenses for our son. Nearby military training grounds, with shooting and helicopters, would destroy a sanctuary used peacefully by both man and animals. We are completely opposed to the establishment of military training facilities or shooting ranges in the area of Groton, NH.
Groton Area Property Owner
My family has owned undeveloped land in the Groton/Rumney Depot area since the 1960's. We have never developed the land, and only selectively log as needed, out of respect for the beauty of the White Mountain foothills. We are completely in support of the people of Groton in rejecting the development of any shooting range. We are not just talking about a business that will create enormous sound pollution. We are talking about a business that will violently intrude on the feeling of safety and peace that is the right of every member of Groton.
Groton Area Property Owner
My wife and I purchased an 87 acre parcel of land in Groton back in 2003. This was the realization of a dream. Peace and quiet, nice neighbors, and the hope to retire hear in about 6 years. We built a home and enjoy it with our three children as often as possible. That dream was shattered when I learned of this proposal. I have watched the Town stand up and oppose this facility and I can truly say that I am thankful for all the work that the Town, selectman, registered voters etc. have done to prevent this proposal from moving forward. As many have already stated, this simply is not the right place for this type of facility
Groton Area Property Owner
My husband and I bought a little old house in
Groton this past July. We have long looked for just such a town as Groton
and look forward to moving there as soon as we can - our work and
responsibility for aging parents prevent us from moving immediately. In the
meantime we are working to keep our Groton home in good shape, meet our
neighbors, support the local businesses, and learn about the area.
Thankfully we receive the Record Enterprise or we would have missed learning
about the NATL and its plans. I made the four hour drive to Groton to attend
the informational meeting which was cancelled and my husband and I arrived
to attend all of the meetings leading up to the plan for the interim
regulations.
I cannot tell you how distressed we are that we are taxpayers in Groton and
have absolutely no say in what happens to our adopted town. It is clear to
me from the letters to the editor in the local paper that NATL is attempting
to "divide and conquer" the town. I truly hope that they will not succeed.
Land Use Regulations are essential to keep places like Groton the rare gems
that they are.
Groton's clean air, its wildlife, it's clean water, and most of all its
Quiet are the qualities that we should work to protect. It is difficult to
be such a newcomer and not understand all that is happening in a place that
has become so important to us.
Groton Property Owner
As a resident of your neighboring town, Rumney, my wife and I are completely against this type of training facility. I have been to Blackwater for work and this facility will be similar. Loud noises, major air disruptions, and constant excessive noise which will be heard for miles. We are signing up for anything we can do to prevent this from coming to Groton or any other town in the Plymouth area. Thanks to everyone who has made this group, website, and support for us to band together and fight this facility.
Groton Area Resident
11 to 20 miles from Groton
I keep going back to one of the first things that Mr. Gifford said to those of us that were at his first work session, and that was "IF THE TOWN RESIDENTS DON'T WANT US HERE, THEN WE DON'T WANT TO BE HERE" so what did he REALLY mean when he said that?? Thank you for forming this organization. You are just what the town of Groton needed.....
Groton Resident
I, as a registered voter in the town of Groton, wish to thank our surrounding communities for their continued support in opposition to the founding of North America Training Lodge in this town. Please continue to urge your local and state government representatives to stand against NATL and other companies like them who would prey on our rural communities. At this point in time a strong majority of Groton's residents are fully opposed to this type of development coming to our town and are attending all "public" meetings trying to stop this from happening.
On Feb. 22 our town planning board voted unanimously to adopt article RSA
674:23, which upon being voted on in acceptance by the town majority should
stop this major change to our community for one year. This will give the
townspeople a chance to adopt provisions in our rural and quite town that
will keep it like it is for our young and future inhabitants. Again, I thank
you for your continuous support.
Groton Resident
A packet came in the mail today. three pages:
- WHO IS P.O.BOX105,GROTON,
- A LETTER FROM MR. GIFFORD OF THE N A T L,
- AND A STAMPED ENVELOPE ADDRESSED TO THE
SELECTMEN OF GROTON, WITH A STATEMENT THAT THE NATL WANTS US TO SIGN AND
SEND TO THE SELECTMEN IN THAT POSTAGE PAID ENVELOPE.
If you think I was
angry before, I am ON FIRE NOW!!!
N A T L.....NORTH
AMERICAN TRAINING LODGE OR
N A T L.....NOT AT THIS LOCATION!
Groton Resident
I am VERY surprised that NATL is holding ANOTHER "private, by invitation only" meeting regarding their facility. After many attempts by the town of Groton officials and citizens asking for more information from them, they have ignored the requests and decided to hold another private meeting instead.
The only conclusion I can come to personally, is that they obviously have something to hide, or this would be a public meeting.
Instead of trying to inform the citizens of Groton and the surrounding towns on their plans or expert opinions regarding their facility, they are HIDING their information from us. Being a mother, I can only see that this is similar to a child hiding something, they only hide things when they know something they have done or are going to do is wrong.
Groton Resident
Despite steep, winding, and sometimes treacherous roads, my wife and I 30 years ago decided to build our home here in North Groton. This was an incredibly small price to pay for what we've often taken for granted.
We raised our son here and up to now, we've picked berries, hiked, snow shoed, and cross country skied throughout the woods near our home, including the area where N.A.T.L. Inc. intends to set up its compound. Frequent encounters with almost every form of New Hampshire wildlife is simply a way of life here. We've loved the peace and quiet of our back yard, gardening, outdoor meals or just being lazy. We've enjoyed watching the night sky, the northern lights, or lying in sleeping bags watching meteor showers and comets.
This will all be destroyed forever if N.A.T.L. Inc. has its way. I've been in the real estate business for 12 years and have yet to hear a buyer say: "I'm looking to buy property in an area where there's no wildlife, constant noise from gunfire, explosions, traffic and helicopters, potential personal danger and environmental hazards, and washed out night skies". As unbearable and repulsive as it would be to live near this compound, how could we afford to sell with the expected collapse of property values in our area?
Groton Resident
Nervous, furious, in deep sorrow...these are the feelings that I've lived with this last week since first learning of the proposed military-like training location. I spent most of my 48 years, dreaming of owning my own home in a peaceful, quiet, and welcoming community. I have history here and respect the families that have remained here for many generations in this beautiful place.
The news reports are saying that we Groton people are a feisty bunch of people...I say that we have to be, because when you live in a beautiful place, people are always trying to come in from the outside and exploit the gift that nature never intended to have exploited. When you walk the ground of the Canterbury Shaker Village these days, you can not help but hear the loud noises of Loudon Race Track, and the Village hasn't been the same since the track expanded. This will happen to our town too...and like Loudon Race Track's noises, the noises from the training facility in Groton, will spill into our town and the surrounding towns. I want to tell Mr. Gifford and other representatives from North American Training Lodge, Inc., that I don't want them here...I moved here for the peace...for the quiet...for the safety, and like with Canterbury, the integrity of our living here will be compromised with what they have proposed. Mr. Gifford needs to know that people live here...this is not a desert with no humans living here. This is an area with homes, and families, and land that we want to protect.
I will be writing a formal letter to the NATL in the next few days. As for now, please know that I am NOT in favor of the NATL coming into our community. I will be at the Town Meeting tonight (2/22/06) as will hundreds of us, to stand up and shout to the NATL that our entire community does NOT want them here.
Groton Resident
I have just spent three hard years building a log cabin on Edgar Albert rd. where I have planned to raise my young son in a peaceful rural area. I am very strongly opposed to this facility coming to our town/ neighborhood. It will destroy everything my family has worked so hard for.
Groton Resident
I have several concerns with the North American Training Lodge wanting to move in the town of Groton.
1.What is this going to do for the value of my property and others.
2. The noise issue. My husband are both military vets know full well that this type of training will be very noisy and dangerous. Do you know how noisy tree level helicopter assist can be? We already have a rescue team that assist us in recovery/rescue operations in the state if needed. C4 and explosive training in my back yard?...I'm sorry too dangerous !I live in rural NH for a reason!!!!
3. This will also impact our local fire and ems systems as more training will more than likely be required.
4. How will this affect the local environment?
I think that it is ridiculous that a company like this would want to come into a small town and disrupt our way of life and local beauty. You could take your operations to Iraq and blow stuff up there!!!!
Groton Resident
I do not want this Military Training Lodge in my back yard. We have our grand children at our home and playing in our yard very often, we moved to Groton away from the city and towns, 10 years ago, just to be in a quiet area. If this is allowed in to our back yard, we must sell and move. Our homes will have no value. What types of people will this attract to our area? We will not be safe in our own homes.
Groton Resident
We DO NOT want the North American Training Lodge in Groton!
Groton Resident
Active member of NRA, support right to keep and bear arms; I believe this proposal is not needed to improve the security of this state or country. I believe it will have a very negative impact on this area. Many people in this area live hear for the reason of it being a quiet area where people can enjoy tranquility of the White Mountains.
New Hampshire Resident
11 to 20 miles from Groton
Hey, I didn't get an invitation to Mr. Gifford's party/ informational meeting at the Common Man. Interesting, is it not, the name of the establishment he chose ?... I doubt I have anything in common with that man or his cohorts. I choose peace and quite. My family has been here since 1989 and though we are what some call "Flatlanders" we have tried mightily to be good neighbors. We don't play our music too loud, we keep our barking dog under pretty good control, and if our friends/neighbors need a hand we will be there for them.
I am insulted to have not been invited to this meeting. I do, however, feel that the real issue lies with us all who oppose the installation of this facility to attend our town meetings in Groton and show solidarity. Here, also, I want to thank the surrounding communities for their support and helping hands. Certainly, there must be some last bastion in Our America where peace, quite, friends and neighbors are the American Way.
Groton Resident
Majority is against training facility
To the editor:
Saturday's Boston.com had a story titled "Faced with weapons training center, Groton fights back." This story is also running in The Portsmouth Herald as well as other papers. I wanted to comment on NATL Chief Executive, Gifford's quote that "We've tried to open these negotiations right from the beginning, and the process has been hijacked by a vocal minority that's put out a huge amount of misinformation about who we are and what we are going to do."
First I would like to say the town of Groton was not only uninformed, they have had to rely on one pamphlet provided by NATL and the press for any information. Gifford has informed the town of Groton that he will not offer a presentation or accept any questions in regards to his program. If he wanted the town of Groton to be informed in other ways than relying on the press, he might have offered more information. This has not happened and there is no website available for NATL.
What about the huge crowd at the
selectman's informational workshop that was so crowded it had to be closed
down?
What about the 90 plus people at the Groton
Selectmen's meeting, the vast majority from
Groton, who
voted 100 percent that they did not want NATL in Groton?
That is more than a "minority" as Gifford puts it.
What about the Groton citizens at the planning board meeting were a poll showed 90 percent were from Groton and not one raised their hand in favor of NATL? Not a "minority" as Gifford states.
As to the "huge amount of misinformation," the Concerned Citizens website, ccfri.org, contains the front page and flyer that was written by the Concerned Citizens and everything else was taken from articles previously written in the press or is taken from NATL's pamphlet.
In response to Gifford's accusation of
being "hijacked," I must say that is exactly what I feel he has done to the
town and people of
Groton."
Groton Resident
Thank you for putting together this tremendous website and more importantly the galvanizing focused force of ccfri. I don't blame our elected officials, but this site has been the best source of information in a confusing and disturbing situation.
As homeowners on Edgar Albert Rd., my husband and I have come to truly love our area and the best things about it are those that would be ruined by this training lodge. We love the wildlife, quiet and multiple recreation opportunities of this beautiful town. This is a residential community, not an appropriate place for such a large and loud development.
We all know during hunting season that a single shot carries and is quite loud- that's fine for game - but imagine that magnified, automatic firing all day every day echoing through the hollows and valleys. Its hard to imagine this town absorbing the traffic increase as well.
If this goes through I feel most for the retired residents, who may have much of their retirement equity in their homes, and may be unable to absorb loss of property value. Lets fight as hard as we know how.
Groton Resident
What is the story with private meetings? Why are they private to begin with? I would like to know why they (North American Training Lodge) don't want to have a public forum? Are they trying to hide something? I know that if this plan comes to pass we will probably end up selling our property (not that anyone else will want to purchase it either). We purchased this property to have peace and quiet. We want to preserve nature and enjoy it. How can we do that with helicopters and explosives going off???? Where will all the wildlife go? I know I won't be watching Moose and Bear roaming on my property anymore because they won't be staying in this area!
Groton Area Property Owner
0 to 10 miles from Groton
Training lodge is serious concern
To the editor:
Groton, right now, has a serious matter at stake ... as well as the other abutting towns.
The North American Training Lodge, is contemplating putting a military training camp at the end of Edgar Albert Road. This same, private entrepreneurial concern wanted to get into Farmington but was voted out by the planning board. Now, they want to come into Groton. This will impact the surrounding towns, as well. I am asking for the support of the surrounding towns to stand with Groton and voice their opinions and concerns at the following planning board meetings ... Hopefully, a spokesman for the North American Training Lodge will come forth as well.
I do not think this training lodge is being "altruistic" as it may appear. Remember, they are private entrepreneurs that stand to make a lot of money if this site gets established as they plan.
They are not supported by the U.S. government, to my knowledge. (And in fact, if the U.S. government thought a site like this was necessary at all, they have many other areas that they can prey upon without inflicting this on a rural, agricultural, community!
I ask the people of Groton and surrounding interested towns to consider this: Will real estate property value decrease? (This was one of the major factors that the people in Farmington based their opinions).
Will this change the environment of Groton? (It will never be the town that it is now considering the influx of munitions and trucks, helicopters, rifle ranges, explosive training).
Would you want to raise your children in such a community?
What about all the people who ride their horses in this area? Or snowmobile, or snowshoe? Horses are known to be skittish with loud, sudden noises ... then they buck ... then accidents happen.
And speaking of noise factors ... do not tell me that "people get use to noise after a while, and the fact that (as Mr. Gifford, president of the Military Training Organization said) there is noise from areas near drag strips, raceways and airports, is like comparing apples and oranges ... Those establishments were wanted, and also benefited the people. This does not!! It benefits the organization!
Gifford stated he would not build in an area that did not want them ... well, stand by your words, Mr. Gifford! I do not think this area wants or needs you.
If the government thought we needed such a site, they would provide the area!!
We came here because the community was what we wanted ... peaceful and rural! We do not want the complexion of Groton to change ... and perhaps, this is a wake-up call for the town to realize we need some kind of limited ordinances so this does not happen again.
Groton Resident
Letter to NATL:
I am a land owner in Groton, NH, and I understand that your company is proposing to locate a military-like training facility and firing range in the Town of Groton.
Be assured that we do not want this facility in town. Further, I cannot see how anyone could rationally argue that this type of facility would fit anywhere in a free country that is already protected by the most powerful military on the planet, assisted by a virtual army of local law enforcement personnel. On top of that, most of us individuals are perfectly capable of banding together on a neighborhood level should we ever need to.
Your approach is archaic while at the same time opportunistic. You are playing on the fears of the uninformed for the sake of a buck. Your opportunity to make a profit off the unfounded fear that spread as a result of 9/11 has long since evaporated…99.9% of us were not afraid then, and we are not afraid now.
Homeland security has nothing to do with guns and explosives. It begins at the family level and moves up through the community. The United States of America will not fail unless the moral fiber of our citizens decays to a point where the profit motive overrides common sense and respect for each other. If that happens, we’re cooked. The threat we face will not be successfully met with gun powder…it will be met by educated citizens who understand that all cultures that resort to violence as the default method of conflict resolution ultimately cease to exist.
Personally, I enjoy working as a civil engineer,
mountain biking, skiing, hunting, driving, hiking, camping, and fishing. I
am a glass-half-full guy who believes in the good in people, and our ability
to continually evolve toward peaceful coexistence.
Groton Property Owner
By repeatedly going on record as refusing to meet with Groton townspeople anywhere but in Groton, even though we don't have a large enough facility, is bad enough. By then arranging a private "by invitation only" meeting outside of Groton and limiting it to 25 people is simply wrong. By holding this private meeting for these carefully screened people, while excluding all Groton town officials and every Groton resident except for those in the chosen 25, shows the true character of N.A.T.L. Inc.
Groton Resident
Please, everybody who is not in favor of this military site in Groton, notify Sen. Judd Gregg in Washington with a written letter. His address is:
Hon. Senator Judd Gregg
393 Russell Senate Office Blng
Washington, D.C. 20510
Phone: (202) 224 – 3324
Fax: (202) 224 – 4952
www.gregg.senate.gov
Let him and Senator Sununu know what is going on in NH..and our concerns - Very important to get the word out everywhere it will HELP!
Groton Resident
Thank-you SO much for your efforts to help us protect the character of our little town.
Groton Resident
I am another concerned citizen of Groton. I do not know where I stand on the issue of the NATL although I do not feel that it is going to be beneficial to us, pleasant for us or peaceful anymore in Groton if the NATL goes through with plans to build here. I was born in Plymouth and have never moved farther than the Groton area. I was pretty happy about my location and thought it was a great place to have my children grow up and my husband and I retire, but there seems to be no one interested in answering my questions from NATL. Of course they insist they are available and willing to answer questions, I just don't see it. If this little endeavor of theirs is such a good thing for the Town of Groton, then where are the meetings, where are the mailings to members of Groton and surrounding towns who will also be affected by traffic, noise and what else is brought by the NATL. I appreciate what members of the Concerned Citizens are doing for the Town. It seems that this group and the site that has been created for us to keep up to date has been done with care. Thank you for keeping us informed. In addition, I would also like to comment that if the NATL truly wanted us to hear the presentation and support their endeavor then they would attempt to inform more than a group of 25 people.
Groton Resident
My husband and I are in the process of building a home in Groton. One of the reason we purchased the property is that is a wooded quiet area.
We have lived outside and worked on an Army post for over 30 years. We have first hand experience on what it is like to live so close to live fire, explosives and helicopter exercises. We chose to live in Groton because we love NH and because we wanted to get away from windows rattling, house shaking and being startled when explosives went off and helicopters suddenly appear over the tree-tops. If anyone has ever been near an explosion when it goes off you would never forget it and would not want to experience it again. I work in an area where this happens from time to time. If you are within 1/2 mile of the explosion car alarms go off and it feels as if an electrical current goes through your body.
I sincerely hope this plan is defeated. Since we will not be moving to Groton until the fall we can.
Groton Property Owner
YIKES! thanks for organizing to oppose this from happening! I live in Mass, but our No. Groton Rd. is our peaceful haven - I'd HATE to see and hear noise and outsiders (besides us flat-landers) around when we are relaxing.
I'm glad the town sent out packets for us NH tax-payers, too. Otherwise I would never have known, since we are basically summer residents in Groton.
Groton Property Owner
I own land in Groton and also am a life long resident of the area. I am very interested in any change to my quality of life as well as any negative change to land value. THANK YOU for the opportunity to speak out.
Groton Property Owner
We own a 118 acre parcel in Groton that we are in the process of submitting a sub division plan for. We have owned the land for almost 2 years now. We wanted to preserve its beauty and environmentally do all the right things. We have carefully thought out many steps in this process from select cutting to restoring the old farm house and barn that is there. We even have thought about establishing covenants to ensure that it doesn't end up as some sort of commercial housing development. Then of course North American Training comes into the picture and ba-boom (literally and figuratively).
Although I would be the first to say that we live in a free country, I would also be the first to say that the type of business that North American is proposing to establish with the exception of generating more tax dollars. could never add any value to Groton. In fact the increased tax revenues would only be countered with decreased residential movement into Groton. This would mean that only commercial development would be tempted to move in. I know that there are many sides to this issue. I am frustrated! I thank you for your intervention.
Groton Property Owner
I am opposed to the planned military site; I expect a substantial amount of noise which, in my view, would lower property values in North Groton, leaving a higher burden on those of us on the south end of Groton. I feel badly for those in the proximity of Rte 188 who do not live in Groton but would also be affected (Dorchester, Rumney).
Groton Resident
We do not need a facility like this in our area. This type of Business should be in the wide open west, miles from any towns or cities, away from rivers and lakes, etc. We want to keep our areas from noise pollution too.
Groton Area Resident
0 to 10 miles from Groton
I absolutely DO NOT want the North American Training Lodge to move in to Groton! My family has owned property in Groton since the 1940s. My great uncle even donated land in Groton to the state to be preserved. I live in Groton for the peace and quiet and to enjoy the natural beauty of New Hampshire. If this happens I will sell my property and get out of Groton!
Groton Resident
I am absolutely appalled at the idea of a military-like training camp in Groton. It is a beautiful and peaceful area and it should stay that way. The noise pollution and environmental impact would be such that Groton would be a dramatically changed community.
Groton Area Property Owner
0 to 10 miles from Groton
First of all, get some zoning fast. Secondly, look into what we can do to pass some state-wide laws to keep this kind of thing out of our State. I have co-sponsored a bill to create an environmental plan for the state, but it is still being studied. Something like that would have helped keep this out of your town. If there is anything I can do . . . such as sponsoring a bill . . . to keep these people from ruining your town.
Claudia Chase
Representative, Francestown,
Hillsborough District 2
Dear Mr.
Gifford:
The Dorchester Board of Selectmen is fully unanimous in its opinion that
NATL should be scheduling a public forum for all Groton citizens, and
citizens of abutting and nearby communities. To not do so and hold a private
convocation over such a delicate issue is in direct contradiction to the
American Democratic process. The proposal of a military training center is a
matter of grave concern and to shun public input and opinion can only "fan
the fires" of ill will and public discontent not only of citizens but its
concerned public officials as well.
Respectfully,
Albert J. Franz
Chairman, Dorchester Board of Selectmen
Unfortunately I'm not a Groton resident however I do own land in Groton. The value of the land to me is the peace and quite it provides. This type of development negatively impacts that and just doesn't make sense for the Baker River Valley/Lakes Region. I oppose this project.
Groton Property Owner
Everyone seems to have an idea of what progress is and what it isn't. I'm glad to see that the citizens of your town know what it isn't.
A shooting range will disrupt your life forever. The noise carries for miles, across land the range does not own. They will take your property and use it for a noise buffer zone, without your permission or consent. It is not progress, it is a violation of your constitutional right to quiet, peaceful enjoyment of your property.
Do they care about you at all? While they will claim that they want to be "good neighbors" and are willing to "open the channels of communication" you can bet your bottom dollar that they don't care one iota about you or your rights.
You will never have another moment of peace if you let this facility in. Fight it with all that you have available to you, with every fiber of your being. Daytime is bad enough, but they are considering night operations as well? This is just plain wrong.
Don't let this into your area.
I'm Interested But Live Outside Of New Hampshire
My wife and I own a house in Plymouth, NH, and we own a large piece of land in Groton, We will be building a retirement home in Groton within the next 5 years.. We would prefer to go on with the plans that we have made, and we prefer not to have the Training Center in Groton, as we believe it will have a negative impact on the community and on property values in the future. My suggestion to William E. Gifford is to look into some of the military bases which have recently closed around New England. These facilities have buildings; rifle ranges, etc., and are in areas that haven't affected communities. We will be in touch with the selectmen, and we hope that the rural community of Groton, NH will remain as it is today. Thank you.
Groton Area Property Owner
0 to 10 miles from Groton
Thank you for forming "Concern Citizens" I believe your organization will be vital in preserving the character of Groton and the well being of its residents and the residents in the surrounding communities. I am one of five members of Groton's Planning Board. Any information you can give us that will help us in our research will be greatly appreciated. You can e-mail us at my e-mail address if you like, just put Groton on the subject line. Time is of the essence in this matter.
Groton Resident
I own a home in Groton and had plans to retire there. Those plans will change if the North American Training Lodge facility is allowed to build in Groton.
Groton Property Owner
We bought land in the area for a restful and peaceful escape from the noises that are in busy and populated metro areas. We believe bringing in a military-like training facility will not only increase the noise level but we're concerned about the sudden increase in congestion, especially on days off or evenings when the NATL's members take a break. In addition, we believe it will negatively affect our property value. We see this proposal as a commercial benefit to the company that is sponsoring this proposal and we adamantly oppose this group from coming into the area.
Groton Area Property Owner
0 to 10 miles from Groton
A large company like this in such a small town is going to have too large of an impact on the people in the community. Must Unite. Great job w/ CCFRI
Groton Resident
I served in the military and know first hand what living in an environment where they fly helicopters and fire guns and let off explosives. Any one who served in the military knows first hand what that is like and I can't imagine that they would like to live there full time again or have a vacation home there.
I, personally, go there for the peace and quiet and to enjoy nature in all its glory. I hope to someday sell my full time residence and retire up in Groton. I lived up there when I was growing up. I also lived in military life because my father was in the Marine's and retired after 22 years. I'm sure if he were still alive he would be as apauld as I am at the prospect of putting such a facility in beautiful Groton.
Groton Area Resident
0 to 10 miles from Groton
Comments:
1) The environmental and economic impact on the area
2) Ethical questions raised by teaching militia skills to persons not in our armed forces and possibly not even US citizens
3) The manner in which this is being railroaded past all due process with out citizen’s approval or even notification
New Hampshire Resident
0 to 10 miles from Groton
As a person heavily involved both personally and professionally in developing a sustainable and profitable recreation industry that supports the people and environment of Northern New England, I must speak out against the NATL proposal. Such a facility would impact the pristine and serene quality of North Country recreation, ultimately impacting the incomes and lives of those living in the area. I urge the stakeholders involved in this issue to reconsider this proposal and vote against establishing the NATL facilities in our region.
I'm Interested But Live Outside Of New Hampshire
31 to 50 miles from Groton
To the Editor:
North American Training Lodge Inc. is proposing
to build a "for profit" paramilitary training compound in Groton, NH. As a
resident of Groton
for thirty years I am adamantly opposed to this. It would negatively impact
the rural scenic nature of our small residential town (and surrounding
towns) in the following ways: noise - gunfire, explosives, helicopters, P.A.
system, increased traffic; environment - pollution to land and water, noise
pollution driving wildlife out of the area, loss of night sky visibility
from floodlights; roads - increased traffic on already insufficient roads
leading to the compound; police & fire depts - 2500 trainees with unknown
backgrounds accessing weapons and explosives would present a danger to the
public; property values - property values would plummet.
On 2/22/06 Groton's Planning Board passed a
temporary resolution banning new commercial and industrial development.
State law (RSA 674:23) allows communities with no zoning regulations to
impose interim regulations. Our selectmen have urged us to send our letters
of concern to: North
American Training Lodge Inc.,William E. Gifford,CEO, PO Box 726, Rye Beach,
NH 03871.
Groton Resident
We have a 2nd home in Groton and are part of a 13 family association where 10 families are 2nd home owners. Since we aren't allowed to vote in Groton what can we do to both prevent this group from buying land in Groton and as important convincing the Town of Groton that some form of zoning regulations is a good thing to prevent issues like this becoming commonplace.
Groton Area Property Owner
21 to 30 miles from Groton
I do not wish to have this military training facility in this area. Quiet is hard to find these days. They should find a place near an airport or somewhere where there is already plenty of noise.
Rumney Resident
0 to 10 miles from Groton
This is a completely unacceptable use for this area. Bring this into a blighted urban area, like the Bronx or Washington DC.
New Hampshire Resident
50 to 100 miles from Groton
I own a vacation home in Groton, which I built there to take advantage of the peaceful setting offered by this small town at the foothills of the White Mountains. This proposed facility is completely at odds with my expectations that this would remain a quite 'backwater' community. As a resident of the Seacoast and neighboring town of Rye where the CEO of this organization maintains his residence, I am sure that his proposal would not be well received here. I am offended by the bullying tactics being applied here towards a small town with little infrastructure.
Groton Property Owner