As we close out 2019, the Caledonian Record has recognized Dalton’s history-making vote for local emergency zoning as one of the region’s standout events of the year.
In July, the town of Dalton made history as citizens voted to enact emergency zoning, initiate the creation of a zoning board and begin drafting zoning governance for the town. After months of anti-zoning propaganda from Vermont-based Casella, common sense prevailed and the townspeople decided that the best course of action was for the town to take control over its own development, allowing the residents, not out-of-state business, to decide its fate. The prior lack of zoning in Dalton was cited as a major factor by Casella in Dalton being a prime target for its 180-acre landfill plans.
Erik Johnson, a Dalton property owner and board member at NCABC, said “big business has awakened to the resources available in the North Country and are looking for ways they can be exploited for their own benefit, without little or no consideration to the local population, business interests or environment. We saw this with Eversource’s Northern Pass, and now with Casella. I’m sure there will be more to come. However, northern New Hampshire residents are fiercely protective of our way of life and stewardship of the Great North Woods. Casella is already experiencing a strong backlash, evidenced by Bethlehem’s push to evict them from their town. Thanks to the Caledonian Record for recognizing this development.”
Thanks also to Save Forest Lake for their partnership, research, and activism in addressing this threat.