TURNER — Selectmen voted 2-3 Monday night not to send voters an ordinance prohibiting heavy tractor-trailers from using Main Street.
Town Manager Kurt Schaub presented the proposal in response to residents’ complaints about noise from a steady stream of tractor-trailers using Main Street to avoid traffic lights on Route 4.
John Davis of 153 Main St. reiterated his concerns raised at the Nov. 7 meeting about big rigs that “downshift and use their jake brakes.”
Warren Hood of Splash Trucking in Turner said he hauls water for local family and business pools. The trucks — 10 according to his Facebook page — are driven down a short segment of Main Street for access to Route 4, he said. Especially between 7 and 9 a.m. getting onto Route 4 via Main Street is the only option to avoid traffic jams, he said.
Selectman Ralph Caldwell spoke against hindering business.
A motion to hold a public hearing on the ordinance was defeated, with Selectmen Kevin Nichols and Angelo Terreri in favor and Steven Maheu, Chairman Kurt Youland and Caldwell voting against.
“Mr. Caldwell, I do not understand why you will not give the public a voice in this,” Davis said.
Also Monday, the board voted unanimously to refer to the town’s annual celebration as a “Christmas” event instead of “holiday” event.
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