By Curt Peterson
Monday night, Aug. 7, found Hartland businessman David Cowdrey and his son Allan at Damon Hall for a final hearing regarding Cowdrey’s application for a town salvage yard permit. All signs point to eventual approval.
The long-time auto repair and service provider has mapped out a 150’ x 75’ area where the permit would allow Cowdrey to store vehicles the state considers “junk” — meaning inoperable cars and trucks.
Selectman Tom Kennedy reminded Cowdrey the permit would require “screening” fencing so the salvage yard area isn’t visible from Route 12, on which the property is sited.
Cowdrey said he and his father have metal sheeting that would accomplish the visibility fence requirement.
Operating as “Dave’s Skunk Hollow Auto” since the 1960s, the father/son duo has had issues with the state Environmental Protection and Transportation agencies for some time. They are currently working on compliance with a state court order to remove most of the “junk” vehicles and parts by this coming fall.
The battle with the state has resulted in accumulated fines alleged to total $15,000.
Allan has separated several “not junk” vehicles and displays and sells them legally under a recently acquired used car dealers’ license.
Kennedy reminded the Select Board that the town has jurisdiction only within the proposed permitted area.
“Everything outside that area comes under state oversight,” he said.
The selectmen reviewed a sitemap to make sure everyone was on the same page about the actual location and boundary of the proposed salvage yard area. Acting town manager Martin Dole will visit the site soon and adjust the site map to conform with markers the Cowdreys will provide. The Select Board will plan a work session to create the permit document.
Kennedy said the board has 30 days from this hearing within which they must deny or approve the permit. If the permit is issued, the Cowdreys will have to get state approval for operation.
“To be clear, starting today, can my father and I start working on organizing the salvage area we’ve agreed on?’” Cowdrey asked.
Select Board chair Phil Hobbie told him to go ahead.
