At least 100 people who arrived to attend a Weare Planning Board public hearing Sept. 24 about a proposed asphalt production plant were turned away from Town Hall because there wasn’t enough room to accommodate everyone.

Naomi Bolton, town administrator and town planner, said she conferred with Fire Department officials, who determined the meeting space was too small.

The hearing was rescheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 30, at Weare Middle School, after The Goffstown News went to press. The proposal in question was brought forward by Chris Bolton, owner of Mt. William systemInc., who wants to build a 5-ton to 6-ton hot-mix asphalt facility at 1225 River Road. The 1,550-acre property currently serves as a sand and gravel production plant.

Chris Bolton is the brother of Frank Bolton, who is a member of the Planning Board. Chris Bolton is also the brother-in-law of Naomi Bolton. Her husband also works for Chris Bolton at the sand and gravel facility.

Naomi Bolton said Sept. 24 that Frank Bolton would not vote on any issues concerning his brother’s proposal, not just because they’re related, but because Frank Bolton’s property abuts the Mt. William Inc. facility.

Naomi Bolton said she oversees the town’s planning office but cannot vote on the board.

“I shuffle papers and take minutes and that’s about it,” she said. “There’s no conflict.”

Chris Bolton did not return a call for comment; Frank Bolton could not be reached.

Neighbors around the facility have mobilized and more than 150 people were expected to attend the public hearing before it was rescheduled. Many say they’re upset over potential impacts to the environment, safety, quality of life and home property values.

Eric Rinehimer of Roosevelt Drive said one reason he’s upset is because he lives in a development that was constructed by a company owned by Chris Bolton less than a decade ago.

“The developer who built the neighborhood is the same man who owns the gravel quarry operation and is proposing to put an asphalt plant there,” Rinehimer said. “If that was there in the first place, none of us would have bought homes in that area.”

Neighbors drafted a letter to the Planning Board with the help of an attorney, outlining reasons why they’re concerned. They ask 15 specific questions, primarily about environmental concerns. The location is in close proximity to the Piscataquog River.

“Our preliminary research shows fumes from asphalt plants are known to have carcinogens,” neighbor Joanne Harrison said. “In the communities where these are, property values plummet.”

The letter complains that too few abutters were notified because the impact of the project far outreaches the immediate neighbors.

Rinehimer said he wants safety concerns addressed.

“The bigger concern I have is what if things go catastrophically wrong,” he said.

Rinehimer, who lives with his wife and two children, said the family has enjoyed their view from their house atop an 800-foot peak, which would directly overlook the asphalt plant. He’s also concerned about quality of life and property values.

“We’re concerned about property values,” Rinehimer said. “Most other asphalt plants are operating in industrial areas or near highways, not in the middle of a residential and rural area,” he said. “You’re talking about 28-ton asphalt trucks going up and down a road not made to handle that kind of truck traffic. Then you have kids waiting for the school bus.”