The former Dow property on Route 12 in Gales Ferry has a new owner. One of the uses being proposed is an over 10-year rock quarry operation (heavy industrial) to blast aggregate rock/stone from the 40-acre hill of Mount Decatur on the Thames River. Gales Ferry is a residential, small, historically significant town with homes, schools and small businesses nearby the proposed blasting site. Imagine 10 years of blasting, moving aggregate rock/stone out by rail, river and trucks around and out of the site. Disruption and change to the quality of daily life would be inevitable, should this be approved, not only for nearby residents and neighborhoods (both in Gales Ferry and across the river), but for the nearby schools, churches and businesses. And what environmental tolls will this have on the land, roads/traffic and the beautiful Thames river?

The Ledyard Planning & Zoning Commission will need to approve a special use permit in order for Cashman/GFI to begin this heavy industrial operation. A public hearing has been scheduled for 6 p.m. today, Sept. 12, at Ledyard Middle School. Gales Ferry residents, neighbors and friends, I urge you to attend.

Nora Taylor

Gales Ferry