Neighbors tell Plymouth zoning board proposed contractor‑storage building would increase traffic, light and noise

Several residents spoke during the public hearing on Stone Bluff Properties’ special‑exception application, telling the Zoning Board they fear the project would alter the rural character and impose traffic and noise burdens on the small Yatton Road neighborhood.

Joe Caranta, who lives directly across the street, said the project ‘‘would change the character of the neighborhood’’ and questioned whether 38 units could be filled in the local market. He pressed the board on enforcement tools and said there is ‘‘no real way to enforce what kind of businesses go into this place, and there’s no way to really enforce the hours of operation.’’ Jack Nelson and Ursula Askins Huber, other abutters, raised similar concerns about visual impact, truck and delivery movements near a small residence, and the prospect of noise or equipment left outside that could drain into nearby waterways.

Applicant representatives responded with design and mitigation details: the buildings are oriented so rear overhead doors face each other to contain noise; the site includes substantial landscaping buffers; lighting will be dark‑sky compliant and most lights will be turned off by 10 p.m.; and DOT curb‑cut review and wetlands approvals are in the planning file. The applicant also said the typical on‑site vehicle would be box trucks rather than tractor‑trailers and that the planning board had required signage and no overnight tractor‑trailer parking.

Despite those assurances, abutters and several board members said the record lacked objective evidence on property‑value impacts, and the board voted to continue the application and ask the applicant to provide a licensed real‑estate appraisal before the matter is reconsidered.