Activists, including Mass. State representative Christopher Hendricks (R), protesting against the operations at PJ Keating, the quarry and asphalt plant on South Main Street in Acushnet, pose for a quick photo in a light rain on Thursday, 8/27/20. PJ Keating has been cited for more than 20 violations, including for air pollution and wetlands violations. Photo by Glenn C. Silva for the Fairhaven Neighborhood News.
By Beth David, Editor
A group of residents gathered on South Main Street to protest the dust, noise and other nuisances from the PJ Keating quarry and asphalt plant. The town found more than 20 violations last month and issued a cease and desist order (Neighb News, 8/20/20).
On Thursday, 8/27/20 the group of about 25 gathered in the rain in front of the Acushnet Senior Center, which is very close to PJK.
“Enough is enough,” wrote Linda Lee Skapik, who organized the event, on her Facebook page. “When this Quarry was owned by Tilcon we had no problems. PJ Keating Enough is Enough!!!”
She also said she was very happy that Acushnet’s state representative Chris Hendricks (11th Bristol District) joined the protest, even holding a sign that said “Save Our Health.”
“Last night I was proud to stand with Acushnet against the continued pollution of the air, land, and water in our community by PJ Keating’s operations,” wrote Mr. Hendricks on Facebook. “It has gone on far too long and they need to step up and protect their neighbors.”
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- Protesters, including Mass. State representative Christopher Hendricks (R), 11th Bristol District, wave at cars during a protest against PJ Keating, the quarry and asphalt plant on South Main Street in Acushnet, on 8/27/20. Photo by Glenn C. Silva for the Fairhaven Neighborhood News.
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- Sharon Borges of Acushnet holds a makeshift tombstone instead of a sign at a protest against PJ Keating, the quarry and asphalt plant on South Main Street in Acushnet, on 8/27/20. “This says it all,” she said. Photo by Glenn C. Silva for the Fairhaven Neighborhood News.
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- Karen Pinard of Acushnet holds a sign at a protest against PJ Keating, the quarry and asphalt plant on South Main Street in Acushnet, on 8/27/20. Photo by Glenn C. Silva for the Fairhaven Neighborhood News.
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- Acushnet resident Doug Thomas holds a sign at a protest against PJ Keating, the quarry and asphalt plant on South Main Street in Acushnet, on 8/27/20. Mr. Thomas said he just doesn’t understand how PJ Keating “can just get away with this.” Photo by Glenn C. Silva for the Fairhaven Neighborhood News.
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