Gorham paves way for quarry expansion despite pushback from neighbors

Gorham Town Council Gives Green Light to Shaw Brothers Quarry Expansion

Gorham, Maine – July 31, 2026 – After a three‑year debate, the Gorham Town Council approved a zoning change that will allow Shaw Brothers Construction to add 6.3 acres to its Brickyard Quarry on Mosher Road. The decision, passed 4‑3, converts the land from residential use to industrial, enabling the company to apply for additional permits from the town planning board and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.

The vote came at a council meeting that also considered whether the town should commission a consultant to review the strength of Gorham’s quarry ordinances. Although the council agreed to fund the review with tax‑increment financing of $32,400, the high cost of the proposal—$45,000 versus a town‑anticipated $20,000—led to a debate over how far the town should spend on the study.

The Controversy

The Brickyard Quarry has long been a source of friction between Shaw Brothers Construction, a family‑owned business with a 50‑year presence in Gorham, and residents who live on the surrounding streets. Many neighbors complain about dust, noise and blast impacts that they say affect their health and quality of life.

“We’re talking about a company that has a 50‑year history of philanthropy and operates multiple quarries and gravel pits while abiding by state and town regulations,” said Ben Hartwell, a former town councilor who supports the expansion. “Responsible businesses need a path to grow.”

Opponents of the zoning change argue that the town should first commission a comprehensive review of its quarry ordinances before allowing the expansion. “The expansion will only exacerbate current conditions that have not been addressed by the town or the company,” said Peggy Olson, a resident on Aspen Lane. “It sends a message to residents of the town when their years of advocacy are met with deaf ears in support of big businesses.”

Camille Seo, who lives on Queen Street, added, “I’m speaking out as this zone change and increased business will negatively impact the people I love the most, who all live on Queen Street.”

The Council’s Decision

Councilors Charlie Hamblen, Seven Siegel and Lou Simms voted against the zoning change, citing the need for an ordinance review. “We can appreciate what Shaw Brothers has done in this town, and you can still make a rational decision based on the information that we have,” Simms said.

In contrast, chair Suzanne Phillips and councilors Janet Kuech, Kelly Dearborn and David Willis voted in favor of the change. “We are listening,” Phillips said. “It’s not falling on deaf ears.”

The council’s 4‑3 vote means the zoning change will go forward. Under the town’s attorney, Benjamin McCall, the ordinance changes will not apply to the quarry’s existing operations—those were approved under the 2008 ordinances. However, any tighter restrictions would apply to the expanded portion if they are adopted before the planning board approves the expansion.

Shaw Brothers has stated that the expansion is necessary because of the current water level and the positioning of the quarry’s pumps. “We need to expand outward before we dig deeper,” the owner, Dan Shaw, explained at a planning board meeting last month.

A Consultant’s Role

The council discussed a single application from consulting firm Pinchin to conduct an ordinance review. The firm’s estimate of $45,000 exceeds the town’s $32,400 budget. Town Manager Ephrem Parashak said he would inform Pinchin of the town’s maximum amount and let the firm decide whether it can scale back its scope.

“If Pinchin declines that offer, we’ll seek out new proposals with a reduced scope of work in hopes that more consulting firms will apply,” Parashak said.

Shaw Brothers expects the consultant to find that Gorham’s ordinances are already adequate and that its operations operate far below the limits set by law. “I believe the consultant will confirm that,” Shaw said.

Community Impact and Company Initiatives

Shaw Brothers has highlighted several community‑focused projects it has undertaken. The company planted 400 pine trees around the quarry, installed solar panels to reduce its energy use, and opened Shaw Cherry Hill Farm and Shaw Park for public recreation.

“Shaw Brothers is a good neighbor and deserves to expand,” the owner said, citing these projects as evidence of the company’s commitment to the town.

Despite this, residents continue to worry that the expansion will worsen the already‑present environmental and health impacts. “They still have 50 years of material to mine from the existing quarry,” one resident noted. “They should dig deeper instead of expanding outward, which would have less of an impact on neighbors.”

Next Steps

The planning board last month forwarded the zoning change to the Town Council with a recommendation for adoption, but also included a letter recognizing that Shaw Brothers has a “neighbor problem.” The board urged the town to ensure that the quarry ordinances are properly enforced and suggested surprise inspections by code enforcement.

With the zoning change approved, Shaw Brothers will seek the necessary permits to proceed with its expansion. The company’s request for 6.3 acres—down from an original 26‑acre plan in 2024—has already been reduced in the interest of community concerns, according to the company. The rest of the land will be used for future housing development, according to Shaw Brothers’ plans.

The town’s decision to fund a consultant review remains a point of contention. Residents and some councilors fear that the delay in hiring a consultant will postpone meaningful changes to the ordinances. Others see the move as a pragmatic step to ensure that the company operates within the limits of law while allowing local businesses to grow.

As the town moves forward, the community will continue to monitor the expansion’s impact on noise, dust, and overall quality of life. The council’s close vote and the town’s willingness to fund a consultant review reflect the delicate balance between economic development and residents’ welfare in Gorham.