DALTON, Mass. — The Planning Board approved the renewal of Nichols Sand and Gravel's special permit for earth removal. 

 

The company, located at 190 Cleveland Road, operates a gravel pit there. 

 

The hours of operation will remain 7 to 4 p.m. The commission approved owner Paul Nichols' request to allow trucks to depart the property in either direction. 

 

Nichols has to apply for renewal of the special permit every year. The previous permit required the truck to exit the property to the right.

 

It makes more sense to go left if truck drivers have to go to the Pittsfield area, Nichols said. He has talked to the residents in the area and they are agreeable to the change. 

 

Former residents requested this stipulation nearly 16 years ago to reduce the number of trucks using the residential street to avoid disturbing the quality of life and neighborhood. 

 

There weren't any residents present during the meeting who expressed concerns regarding this change.