Friendly quarry hearing continued to Jan. 27

FALLS VILLAGE — The annual public hearing for a special permit for operations at Century Aggregate was continued to Wednesday, Jan. 27, after a question arose about a lot line revision on bordering property.

Century is allowed to continue operating while the clarification is sought. General Manager Greg Marlowe said that the quarry’s 2010 plans do not include a lot of changes. Truck access will remain the same; there are no plans for new buildings; the hours of operation will continue to be from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, with 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays when necessary.

Century is looking at ways to cut down on dust, Marlowe added, and the long-range plans will move operations farther  from the neighbors. For the remainder of the winter, the operation will be loading supplies out of stockpiles.

Marlowe said he has met with representatives of the Nature Conservancy to develop a plan to protect a food source at the site for butterflies. Century will cut some pine trees on property around the quarry “to let in sunlight for the food source,� but will leave hardwoods and shrubs.

“The food source will move with the quarry,� said Marlowe.

He also reported that earlier this month a safety fence around the quarry had been cut open and some vandalism occurred. It was reported to the state police and the repairs were inspected by Mike O’Neil, the zoning enforcement officer.

“Fences only keep the honest people out,� said Marlowe wryly.

When blasting is scheduled, Century notifies the neighbors by mail and phone, and provides a 15-minute window to minimize inconvenience.

The hearing was amicable. At last year’s hearing, neighbors presented a lengthy list of concerns, but this time around it was apparent that Marlowe (who now owns a home in the neighborhood) and the neighbors were in regular contact.

Marlowe also noted that the address has been incorrect. “It’s 73, not 74, Sand Road,� he said. “I don’t know why I haven’t noticed it before now.�

Latest News

Water main cleaning in North Canaan

NORTH CANAAN – Aquarion Water Company today announced a water main cleaning project in the company’s North Canaan system. The project is scheduled to take place from Monday, April 1 through Tuesday, April 16, and is being undertaken to ensure customers in North Canaan continue to receive the highest quality water.

The cleaning for April 1 and April 4 (subject to change) will take place on the following streets:

Keep ReadingShow less
Tuning up two passions under one roof

The Webb Family in the workshop. From left: Phyllis, Dale, Ben and Josh Webb, and project manager Hannah Schiffer.

Natalia Zukerman

Magic Fluke Ukulele Shop and True Wheels Bicycle Shop are not only under the same roof in a beautiful solar powered building on Route 7 in Sheffield, but they are also both run by the Webb family, telling a tale of familial passion, innovation and a steadfast commitment to sustainability.

In the late ‘90s, Dale Webb was working in engineering and product design at a corporate job. “I took up instrument manufacturing as a fun challenge,” said Dale. After an exhibit at The National Association of Music Merchants in Anaheim, California, in 1999, The Magic Fluke company was born. “We were casting finger boards and gluing these things together in our basement in New Hartford and it just took off,” Dale explained. “It was really a wild ride, it kind of had a life of its own.”

Keep ReadingShow less
Robert Cray’s soulful blues coming to Infinity Hall

Robert Cray

Photo provided

Blues legend Robert Cray will be bringing his stinging, funky guitar and soulful singing to Infinity Hall Norfolk on Friday, March 29.

A five-time Grammy winner, Cray has been inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame and earned The Americana Music Awards Lifetime Achievement for Performance. He has played with blues and rock icons including Albert Collins, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, The Rolling Stones, Tina Turner, Eric Clapton and many more.

Keep ReadingShow less