Preserve current zoning in Hollis

Friday, February 19, 2010

To the Editor:

Preserve Hollis residential and agricultural zoning existence – vote no on Amendment 6.

There are six amendments to the Hollis Zoning Ordinances coming up for vote on Tuesday, March 9. Amendments 1 through 5 are proposed by the Planning Board to rectify inconsistencies and conflicts they have experienced while processing recent building applications. These changes were debated and recommended following numerous public hearings, will be beneficial to both the Planning Board and landowners, and should be approved.

Conversely, Amendment 6 seeks approval for allowing landscape and construction type materials yards in our residential and agricultural zones. It would allow the importation and “processing” of said materials including storage of compost, yard waste, mulches and construction debris, all from unknown and unregulated sources, in the Aquifer Protection Zone.

Because this was submitted by petition to the Hollis Selectmen, the Planning Board could not amend the wording. These changes, proposed by Mr. Orde of Hollis Construction, are being presented to circumvent a “cease and desist” order for his 244 Depot Road facility, which has been upheld by the Zoning Board of Adjustment following hours of testimony and appeals. Public hearings disclosed a litany of complaints having been filed by many residents as far a quarter-mile away from this business for noise and odors continuously generated by the facility.

The ZBA decision was based on many issues, including size of the operation, type of activities, number of nuisances created, adverse affect on surrounding property values and being contrary to the spirit and intent of the Residential Zoning Ordinance.

Last year, voters cast their ballots in support of more precise regulation of small business activities including home businesses, home occupations and home shops in the residential and agricultural zone, thereby, reducing traffic volume, excessive commercial vehicles parking and related small business activities in residential neighborhoods. Yet now, Mr. Orde is asking the voters to allow what is clearly an industrial processing facility to operate in the very same zone.

Unlike the many farms in Hollis, which are an important and beloved component of the residential and agricultural zone, selling what they grow and raise on the premises, Mr. Orde’s Depot Road site is primarily there to support his Hollis Construction business.

Interestingly, all other similar businesses have been closely scrutinized and regulated and, without exception, are properly located in the industrial zoned districts.

Please vote no on Amendment 6.

JOE ELLIOTT

Hollis