Our Mission:

To assure that all citizens who anticipate an impact from the projected installation of the North American Training Lodge facility in Groton, NH are informed and have an opportunity to participate in decisions regarding this project.

Latest Events

Groton Moving Forward To Be Sure Its Municipal House In Order

The Groton Planning Board and SelectBoard have had a busy year being sure organizations like American Training Lodge cannot sneak into town.  To assure the appropriate citizen oversight of future development in Groton, a town wide survey has been completed and the results incorporated into a new Master Plan for growth in Groton.  The public hearing on this plan will be held on Wednesday, January 17, 2007 at the Groton Town Hall.  A comprehensive Master Plan is a step necessary for a NH Town to go and develop Land Use Ordinances.  We urge all Groton citizens to participate in this process so everyone understands Groton's needs prior to Town Meeting.

Citizens Of Groton Voted To Adopt Interim Growth Ordinance

On May 23rd, 2006, Groton residents exercised their right to be heard and voted resoundingly for the Interim Ordinance giving them a voice in the future growth of their town. In reference to having a military like weapons training facility in Groton, they have said loud and clear Not At This Location. The unconfirmed tally indicates that 193 people voted and passed the Ordinance by more than a 3 to 1 margin (148 yes and 45 no).

This temporary ordinance will stay in affect until the 2007 town meeting when final regulations will be voted upon. We believe the vote will be overwhelming and an ordinance will then be a permanent. The Groton Selectmen and Planning Board have continued due diligence developing a Master Plan and appropriate regulations.

Groton is moving forward and has not requested any assistance. If the Selectmen, Planning Board or ZEBRA need assistance, we will be here.

CCFRI has been a vehicle for area residents to get accurate information and allow the voice of the people to be heard. The Interim Ordinance is in affect for 1 year allowing the town to develop a growth ordinance to help protect the rural character and peace and quiet of the town of Groton.
 

Noise Analysis

Concerned Citizens for Regional Impact has retained an independent expert firm in acoustics to review the noise portions of North American Training Lodge’s presentation to the Towns of Groton and Farmington.

Resource Systems Group, Inc., in White River Junction, Vermont, is one of the nation’s foremost consulting firms with a specialty in Acoustic Consulting Services. In the closing of his letter, Mr. Kalinski of RSG says: "In conclusion, I want to reiterate that the NATL presentation with regards to noise is erroneous and should not be used to evaluate the impacts of the proposed training facility. Click here for details.

About Us

The Concerned Citizens for Regional Impact is a non-profit association that is concerned about a recent proposal presented on January 19th by the North American Training Lodge, a private For Profit organization. They proposed to construct a private military-like weapons training facility, a large shooting range and defense training facility in the Town of Groton, NH. The proposed private training facility would include C4 and explosive training, tree level helicopter assists, four handgun firing ranges, 300-yard and 800-yard rifle ranges and would offer night time training.

This group brought a similar proposal to the Town of Farmington, NH last year and it was unanimously voted against. In the Finding Of Fact And Notice of Decision, the Town of Farmington's Zoning Board of Adjustment stated in an 11 point findings that, among others:

3)  That the level and frequency of noise generated from the use will be detrimental to the value of the properties in the general area of the facility.

5)  That the evidence presented regarding noise levels and transmission does not adequately take topography and atmospheric condition into consideration.

7)  That the proposed use will be detrimental to the general residential/agricultural character of the neighborhood due to increased traffic, 24-hour schedule, and noise of a type that is disruptive to nearby residential uses.

8) That Aiken Road will not support the volume and type of traffic to be generated by the proposed facility due to excessive grade, inadequate roadway base, and weight limitations.

When asked about the noise level of this proposal in Farmington the president of North American Training Lodge was quoted as saying, in Fosters Daily Democrat: "I don't deny that there's going to be some noise. That's a reality," Gifford said. "But there's noise in the areas of airports, drag strips and Lee Speedway."

NATL is now attempting to bring this to the town of Groton, NH. The Concerned Citizens For Regional Impact believes that this facility will negatively impact the quality of life of the regional communities. 

The obvious regional impact of this type of  noise level, the resulting likely decrease in property value as stated by the Farmington Zoning Board, and adverse change in the quality of life of those affected, has brought great concern amongst the residence of Groton and many citizens of the affected surrounding towns. An association has been formed to voice concern with this proposal. The Concerned Citizens for Regional Impact has retained the law firm of Schuster, Buttrey & Wing to represent them and since the regional impact will substantially impact Towns outside Groton they have informed the Selectman in the surrounding towns of Alexandria, Bridgewater, Briston, Canaan, Dorchester, Grafton, Hanover, Hebron, Holderness, Lebanon, Lyme, Orange, Orford, Plymouth, Rumney and Wentworth of this proposal.

There are a number of companies in the country that offer similar “private contractor military weapons training”, and training of law enforcement and governmental agencies, the most widely known is www.Blackwaterusa.com. Putting this type of training facility near a quiet residential community within miles of Dartmouth College and Plymouth State University could change the whole fiber of our community forever and in a very short period of time.