Voters in Dresden decided to enact a moratorium regarding mineral extraction facilities and operations by a slim margin at the polls on Tuesday, June 11.
A total of 537 ballots were cast in the election, with the moratorium passing 241-240. Fifty-six voters left the article blank.
The moratorium was originally submitted to the town in January. At the time, Richmond resident Nathan Tribbet was in the process of applying for a conditional use permit for a ledge pit operation on Middle Road in Dresden, a contentious topic among Dresden residents.
The application process left many concerned about the town’s regulations in regard to mineral extraction facilities and operations, specifically in the rural living district.
The moratorium states the town will not allow “siting, installation, operation, permitting, and approval of any new mineral extraction facilities and operations, and the expansion of any existing, actual, and substantial mineral extraction facilities and operations.”
Multiple business owners and their supporters, including gravel pit owner Heather Beasley and Tribbet, spoke against the moratorium at a public hearing on May 29 and stated their confusion and disdain for the moratorium’s conditions.
Those who spoke in favor of the moratorium at the public hearing, such as Goranson Farm’s Jan Goranson and her son, Carl Johanson, said they feel it has potential for little impact on current businesses in the town, and that it will give the town time to address its “unclear” ordinances regarding mineral extraction facilities and operations.
“All this does is press the pause button so that we can work together as a community and figure out how we can clarify the ordinances that we have now,” said Johanson.
Now that it has received voter approval, the moratorium will take place effective immediately, and the town will not be able to consider any applications that it receives regarding mineral extraction facilities and operations. The moratorium will be in effect for 180 days.
The town is able to extend the moratorium for another 180 days if that is desired, and if progress is being made toward modifying the town’s ordinances, said Dresden Planning Board Chair Jeffrey Pierce.
To view the moratorium, visit the town office at 534 Gardiner Road.
