I would like to thank the quarry owners for their letter of Oct. 8, offering two options to the town regarding the expansion of Brickyard Quarry.

Citizens of Gorham have been sharing health and safety concerns with town and state officials over the last year. People have documented dust, odors, property damage, excessive noise and blasting concerns. On Oct. 8, the quarry owners sent a letter to the town that laid out two options for the town to consider: Option 1 – a quarry expansion of 26 acres, and Option 2 – a quarry expansion of only 6.33 acres. The remainder would be dedicated to 200 or so manufactured housing units, which would help with the affordable housing crisis in the state and buffer other neighbors from the quarry impact.

The Brickyard Quarry is located remarkably close to downtown Gorham and affects hundreds of residents. Shaw Brothers’ willingness to listen and adjust plans based on neighbors’ concerns about health and safety is a good start. The quarry will affect the town of Gorham for the rest of our lives and all future generations. Thinking about the future of the quarry should be something we all consider.

In light of safety and health concerns, we believe Gorham and the state should review all quarry regulations before any quarry expansion is approved. What is more important than the health and safety of our citizens?

Charles Hamblen
Gorham