DALTON, Mass. — The Planning Board approved the renewal of Nichols Sand and Gravel's special permit for earth removal. 

 

The company, located at 190 Cleveland Road, operates a gravel pit there. 

 

The hours of operation will remain 7 to 4 p.m. The commission approved owner Paul Nichols' request to allow trucks to depart the property in either direction. 

 

Nichols has to apply for renewal of the special permit every year. The previous permit required the truck to exit the property to the right.

 

It makes more sense to go left if truck drivers have to go to the Pittsfield area, Nichols said. He has talked to the residents in the area and they are agreeable to the change. 

 

Former residents requested this stipulation nearly 16 years ago to reduce the number of trucks using the residential street to avoid disturbing the quality of life and neighborhood. 

 

There weren't any residents present during the meeting who expressed concerns regarding this change.

 

There was one neighbor who previously sent a letter to the town expressing concerns about how allowing the trucks to turn left would change the character of the neighborhood and was a safety concern for the kids getting on the bus, board Chair Andrew Perenick said. 

 

Since then this neighbor has left and there are not as many kids in the neighborhood. All of the letters the town has received expressed being in favor of this change, he said. 

 

Nichols told the Traffic Commission during its last meeting that there would be the same amount of trucks in the area. The only difference is that the traffic will be dispersed. 

 

One board member commented that it is better for him to turn left because it is less wear and tear on the bridge. 

 

Nichols highlighted that he communicates with neighbors to ensure the truck divers are going slow in the neighborhood. 

 

He mentioned that his wife keeps horses on their property, and if the drivers go too fast, it scares them.

 

If the truck drivers go too fast in the neighborhood they are not allowed to get materials at his business, Nichols said.