By Kathy Onorato
During a public hearing to extend the moratorium on mineral extraction July 22 Whitefield Planning Board members Marianne Marple, Jim Torbert, and Carl Ribiero (left to right) update the board of selectmen on their efforts. (Kathy Onorato photo) |
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Following a public hearing July 22, the Whitefield Board of Selectmen approved an extension of the town’s moratorium on mineral extraction.
In March Whitefield voters passed a 180-day moratorium, which became retroactive from Jan. 31 and was set to expire July 31. The Whitefield Planning Board requested
the moratorium to allow the town time to research the effects of mineral extractions and consult other towns about mining ordinances as well as the opportunity to revisit the
town’s existing development ordinance.
Planning Board Chairman Jim Torbert said the development of the new ordinance has been a huge undertaking. The planning board has been meeting on a weekly basis to
work on the ordinance since the annual town meeting and needs more time. Torbert said the planning board has been meeting with hydrogeologists and has consulted other towns for
help in the development of the ordinance
“We’re not trying to shut down businesses. We want to develop an ordinance that supports the town and is equitable to everyone in town,” Torbert said.
Harry C. Crooker & Sons has submitted an application to the planning board for a long-range plan to expand operations at its gravel pit on Route 218 in Whitefield.
The application has been on hold since the moratorium has been in effect.
The moratorium extension is for an additional 180-days or until the town votes on a new ordinance. According to Torbert, the planning board hopes to have the
ordinance ready for a public hearing in late September and a referendum vote on Election Day in November.
“We would like to spare the town of the expense of a special election,” Torbert said.
