By Jack Beckett | The Farmington Mercury | April 22, 2025
It was supposed to be routine—another quiet evening for the Town Plan and Zoning Commission (TPZ). Instead, on April 14th, Farmington found itself at ground zero of a surprisingly heated dispute. On the table: blasting permits for a new single-family home construction at 71 Eli Road. 🧨
What began with planner Shannon Rutherford’s polite roll call—”Chair Scott Halstead?” “Here”—swiftly escalated into a battle of nerves between neighbors. The catalyst? Sweeney Associates LLC’s special permit request for drilling and blasting. As you might expect, few topics ignite suburban dread quite like controlled explosions in your backyard.
Sweeney Associates owner Mike Sweeney and blasting contractor John Baer outlined a plan that was either routine construction or an existential threat, depending on who you ask. “We believe there’s going to be a little bit of blasting, not that much,” Sweeney began optimistically. Baer followed up with assurances of short blasts over four to six days, carefully monitored and insulated with blasting mats—business as usual, he implied.
Neighbors, however, weren’t having it.
Attorney Jonathan Kaplan, representing homeowners Naeem and Mary Khalid of 77 Eli Road, delivered a precision-guided legal response, calling the application “bare bones” and demanding clarity. Kaplan noted, “This is not a 200-foot issue. This is not a 250-foot issue. It’s approximately 30 feet from their property line.”
The Khalids fear collateral damage—literally. Their well, pool, septic system, and gazebo are practically within shrapnel range. “We’re not here to stop them from building,” clarified Mr. Khalid emotionally. “We just don’t want our property destroyed in the process.”
Mr. Baer responded confidently, leaning heavily on his 38 years of experience. “I know it sounds intimidating, but we’re not starting a quarry. The blasts are shallow, controlled, and far safer than people realize.”
Still, Commissioner Robert Canto offered empathy, recalling his own unsettling experience with blasting during Westwoods School’s construction: “I remember pictures rattling on my walls.”
By night’s end, the commission hit pause. Shannon Rutherford, Farmington’s seasoned planner, suggested obtaining more precise information regarding well depth and septic systems. The vote was unanimous—continuation until April 28th.
So, no resolution yet—just a ticking clock and anxious neighbors waiting for the next bang. 🕰️💥
Until then, everyone might want to consider safely storing their valuables (and nerves) at Farmington Storage, conveniently located at 155 Scott Swamp Road, Farmington, CT (phone: 860.777.4001). Because if the neighborhood does explode, Farmington Storage promises “Museum-quality air” to preserve your antiques—and your sanity. 😉
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Jack Beckett
Senior Writer, The Farmington Mercury
Powered by coffee ☕️, cynicism, and a strange affinity for zoning disputes.
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See you at the next blast. 💥
