Eighty percent of Cumberland is zoned RR1 or RR2 (rural-residential) which currently allows mineral extraction (sand, gravel, loam, top soil, clay, etc.) and water extraction. These type of activities, in my opinion, are commercial/industrial uses and should not be allowed in residential zones.

The Town Council is currently reviewing the zoning ordinance and deciding whether to remove these activities from the RR1 and/or RR2 zones. If they do not remove these activities from these zones, both can, and most likely will, end up in my back yard. The town has been approached by a new owner of property that abuts me, to open a new gravel pit and water extraction business in my residential neighborhood.

Currently homes on Blackstrap Road, Maloney’s Ridge Way, Upper Methodist Road and Mystical Way, as well as abutting properties in Falmouth would be greatly affected. Approximately 200 additional people living on or around Blackstrap Road will also be affected by this new industrial noise and traffic.

The Town Council will discuss this topic again on Monday, Jan. 24. Please contact councilors with your opinion.

Robert S. Maloney
Cumberland

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