The following article appeared on Record Enterprise on February 23, 2006.

Training facility under fire from angry Groton residents
Record Enterprise
STEFANIE PHILLIPS

02/23/2006 - GROTON — Without zoning regulations to fall back on, residents in Groton are looking at other ways to stop a proposed military training facility from being built in their town.

Rumors have been circulating about the proposal from William Gifford of North American Training Lodge to construct a training facility to include outdoor and indoor shooting ranges, a skeet range and possible explosives. An initial meeting with the board of selectmen was poorly attended, angering many residents who said they were unaware it took place.

A second scheduled meeting on Feb. 15 where representatives were set to present their proposal had to be postponed after the Groton Town House was filled to capacity and more than 30 people stood outside. Many people showed up expecting answers, but instead heard no presentation at all. "We did not expect this sort of a crowd," Selectman Michael Brogna told the people unable to get inside. "We want people to be aware of what this is about."

The selectmen said they would schedule a second meeting at a larger location to accommodate more people, though by Tuesday it was clear a second meeting would not take place.

A notice on the Groton Web site stated North American Training was unwilling to hold the meeting outside of the town, was insisting on two presentations for Groton residents only and they would not take questions or comments. "Since an agreement could not be made, there will not be another informational meeting with North American Training Lodge," the notice read.

A group called the Concerned Citizens for Regional Impact, made up of citizens from neighboring towns and Groton, has already sought legal representation from Barry Schuster of Schuster, Buttrey and Wing in Lebanon and are exploring the town's legal options.

Gifford had made a similar proposal in the town of Farmington last fall, but the town's zoning ordinances were clear about the agricultural residential district where the property was located. Special exceptions could not be granted if the potential project created a hazard or had an affect on property values.

More than 50 Groton residents attended the board of selectmen's meeting on Tuesday night, questioning what the town can do to stop this facility from coming into their town. Information sheets were handed out at the door, encouraging residents to join the Concerned Citizens group and voice their opinions.

Brenda Akerman said she requested an appointment with the selectmen so "people who live in Groton could understand better what is going on with the North American Training Lodge. We now hear you're not going to be willing to have a meeting?"

Brogna said the board worked to get a meeting scheduled but was unable to come to an agreement with North American Training, as stated on the Web site. "We are working for the citizens of this town," he said. "They told us at that point in time the only way they would hold another meeting would be to come in, do a presentation and tell everyone to leave and have another group in."

"They told us they wouldn't come to any more meetings in Groton," said Selectman Peter Leone. "If they are not willing to come to a facility in Groton, we are not sure what else we can do."

Residents voiced their concerns over the noise level, hours of operation, safety issues and how the rural character of Groton would be changed. They also questioned the terrorist threat it could bring to the town and the area.

The selectmen said, to their knowledge, no land has been purchased yet, though North American Training is reportedly looking at several different parcels.

Leone said because the town is in a military fly zone, helicopters would be allowed to fly lower to the tree line. "I can't imagine the people of Groton wanting to deal with that noise factor," he said, adding the facility would not operate on Sundays.

"This is dangerous as all blue hell," said one resident. "Let's blast these guys out of here. We don't need them!"

Because Groton has no zoning regulations in place, a formal proposal is not required. The group will still have to obtain permits with the state, but the selectmen said the town's authority is very limited.

"It's too late. When something has already been put out there, it's too late to stop it," Brogna said.

"I disagree that legally there is nothing we can do," said Deb Johnson. "This is not a small development. It's not a garage. It does not fit into the master plan. There is legal basis for us to stop such an extraordinary project." She said she has already spoken with an attorney and encouraged residents to send letters to North American Training and the local newspapers.

Johnson referred to the town's master plan, noting the town "seeks to be a recreational, forest producing community where we can bring up our children and families. I don't think this project needs to be in this type of town. There are other resources available to these people."

"We're here to serve the people, not them," Brogna said. "Bottom line — it's not going to be an easy battle because of where we're at."

Members of the Concerned Citizens group are looking into interim regulations which address unusual circumstances under RSA674.23 and have been used successfully in Orford.

Following the meeting, more than 65 residents signed a petition against the training facility, which will be sent to Gifford and North American Training.