The following article appeared on Record Enterprise on April 6, 2006.

Residents support interim land use regulations
Record Enterprise
STEFANIE PHILLIPS

04/06/2006 BRISTOL —Residents were told they were not gathered to discuss the North American Training Lodge, Inc.'s proposal at a hearing last week, but were there to discuss a zoning regulation.

"We are not here to discuss that project. We are here to discuss whether Groton should adopt this zoning regulation," Moderator Miles Sinclair told the large group of attendees at the Groton Planning Board's public hearing held in Bristol last week.

Sinclair was referring to the proposed project from North American Training Lodge Inc. to build a million dollar, military-style training facility. He reminded those in attendance the purpose of the hearing was to discuss the interim zoning regulations as presented by the planning board.

According to the board's resolution, RSA 674:23 "permits towns to adopt ordinances imposing interim regulations upon development in unusual circumstances requiring prompt attention." Groton currently has no zoning or growth management ordinance in place. If adopted, these regulations will be in effect for one year or until next year's town meeting, if a growth management ordinance is passed.

Under the regulations, any commercial, industrial or non-residential development will require a special exception from the zoning board of adjustment. Current businesses are exempt.

More than 100 residents from Groton and other surrounding towns attended the public hearing, held in the Newfound Regional High School auditorium to accommodate a larger crowd.

"I love the stars and astronomy. I love Groton for the dark skies. I like Groton the way it is. I like the rural character. I don't want a lot of changes," said astronomer Gary Walker, who has an observatory at his home. He said while he believes in the state's "Live Free or Die" motto, "freedom isn't free. I am strongly in favor of zoning regulations to keep Groton the way it is — the way I think most residents want it."

Shirley Glines said she was most concerned about noise and asked the board to consider adding noise hours to the ordinance. Town attorney Laura Spector said Groton currently has an ordinance in place that addresses noise.

"I live in a valley. Everything makes noise there," Glines said.

"Is this really the legal way to go about it?" asked Dawn Lemieux. "There is one development no one seems to like. I am wondering if this is the appropriate way to go about it?"

Spector said while the ordinance is legal, residents must determine if it is appropriate. "I can tell you it is legal. I cannot tell you there is not going to be a lawsuit," she said.

"I want to make sure this document will hold water in court," Bill Jolly said, referring to the regulations. "We want to make sure this will hold up then."

"I don't want to hear recruiters running up and down North Groton Road. I've been to Vietnam and I know what that's like. I don't want helicopters flying over my head," said another Groton resident.

Brianne Carpenter said she liked Groton's rural, peaceful atmosphere. "It's really important we protect ourselves. We are sitting ducks with no regulations in place."

Patty Bailey said Groton's character is vital to her lifelong farming business and livestock, which are important investments. She said since she would like information about the proposed project so she can cast an educated vote.

"I am not against anything. I just don't want my business to be shut down," she said.

The planning board held a work session last Thursday to discuss any changes to the regulations. Since changes were made, a second public hearing is scheduled for Friday, April 14 at 7 p.m. at the Groton Town House.

A special town meeting is scheduled for May 23, when residents will cast their votes at the polls.

According to Groton's disorderly actions ordinance, adopted by the board of selectmen in 1993, "Making loud or unreasonable noises in a public place, or making loud or unreasonable noises in a private place which can be heard in a public place or other private places, which noises would disturb a person of average sensibilities." A special permit is required from the board of selectmen for relief from the ordinance.

North American Training Lodge outlined their plans for the 200-acre facility containing indoor and outdoor shooting ranges and a skeet range to a small group of residents at a selectmen's meeting in January.

A second meeting in February was postponed after the amount of attendees exceeded the town house's allowable capacity. The meeting was never rescheduled, reportedly due to disagreements between NATL and the board of selectmen about location.

The interim land use regulations were presented to the planning board in February by attorney Barry Schuster, representing the Concerned Citizens for Regional Impact.

No public meetings with NATL have been scheduled since, but the group held a private, invitation only meeting at the Common Man Inn in Plymouth last month. The press and members of CCRFI were not invited. NATL president William Gifford said a meeting with the press would be held at a later date.

A letter dated March 23 was sent to Groton residents from Gifford and NATL stating the group was available to answer questions about the project and wanted to provide accurate facts.

"It is our goal to present the facts about who we are, what we are proposing and why we have chosen Groton. NATL will continue to have invitation only meetings for Groton residents in a quiet, peaceful environment," the letter stated. "We understand that much of the information from CCFRI and some media outlets are making it difficult to get valid information about NATL."

Also enclosed was some information about CCFRI and a letter for residents to send to the board of selectmen regarding the interim ordinance.

According to CCFRI representatives, the letter incorrectly stated the group was not a registered non-profit organization in New Hampshire. They were registered with the state on March 16.

NATL brought a similar proposal to the town of Farmington last year. The town's zoning board of adjustment denied NATL's request for a special exception since the proposed site was located in an agricultural/residential zone.