Lincoln Planning Board postpones Plout blasting decision to Sept. 23

LINCOLN -- September 9, 2025, Lincoln Planning Board postpones Plout blasting decision and seeks independent expert review. Co-Chair Lynn DeLisi led the Sept. 9 hybrid meeting in continuing both the minor modification request to allow controlled blasting at 44 Old Winter Street and the major modification site plan review for the new home to Sept. 23. Jen Stevens of Matthew Cunningham's office said blasting would take five to seven days versus an estimated two to four months of continued hoe-ramming; Maine Drilling and Blasting's Matt Shaughnessy cited the company's $10 million liability policy and said pre-blast surveys would be offered to all owners within 500 feet, double the state's 250-foot requirement. Neighbor Chris Hobson said the third-party surveyor "feels a little light" because it is paid through the blasting contractor. Fire Chief Brian Young agreed to ask Matt Murray of the state Department of Fire Services to review the plan, but DeLisi said the board still wants a fully independent engineer engaged at the applicant's expense. Member Susan Hall Mygatt argued the change should be treated as a major modification because the approved construction mitigation plan committed to no blasting.