HomeMy WebLinkAbout260506 Abutter Comment - Friel - - 5/7/26,3:00 PM Town of North Andover Mail-Marble Ridge Winery
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Jean Enright<jen rig ht@northandoverma.gov>
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Marble Ridge Winery
--<nicole@thefriels.com> Wed, May 6, 2026 at 3:37 PM
To: "jen rig ht@northandoverma.gov" <jen rig ht@northandoverma.gov>
Cc: "tom@thefriels.com" <tom@thefriels.com>
Hi Jean,
I'm writing because I recently learned that Marble Ridge Winery had obtained an entertainment license (for outdoor
music)and applied for an amendment to the current Limited Site Plan Review(dated 10/7/25)that would increase the
approved parking spots. I am very concerned and want my objection to his request to be noted by the NA Planning
Board.
When Brig started his business, he told his neighbors that he would be producing wine, holding tastings, hosting
small/intimate events, and offering overnight guest house rentals. My husband and I were supportive. Now, we feel
deceived. What started out as a small winery and tasting room that hosted occasional small events is morphing into a
larger scale event and music venue. Note the change in the language that Brig himself uses. He was originally approved
to hold small scale celebratory events (that were considered 'accessory'to his main business, presumably agriculture).
His recent'insubstantial' proposal notes that they'frequently hold large events' and thus need to DOUBLE the current
parking allotment. As you know, this is a residential area. Myself, as well as several neighbors, are concerned that his
business endeavors are going to drastically change the character and safety of our neighborhood. I ask that the Planning
Board please reject any request to expand the current parking plan and to notify the abutters of any upcoming meetings
regarding changes to the current site plan for the property.
On another note, I have questions regarding his designation as a 'Farm'. This was clearly done to avoid zoning
restrictions that would otherwise protect his neighbors. To qualify as a working farm with protections under the Dover
Amendment, the primary purpose of the land must be agriculture. If'accessory uses' are the main source of revenue,
protections under the Dover Amendment are not allowed. I know, without doubt, that farming/harvesting grapes is not
Marble Ridge Winery's primary business. Brig himself told me that he imports grapes from other regions. Even if he
utilized all of the vines that have been planted to produce wine, it would amount to little over 200 bottles- hardly a primary
source of revenue. The bottom line is that this is an event venue masquerading as a farm to avoid local zoning
regulations to the detriment of his neighbors. I doubt it would hold up in a court of law.
The questions that should have been asked before the Building Commissioner granted Marble Ridge MGL Chapter 40A
section 3 status are:
1. is the agriculture a real, ongoing operation, or just symbolic?
2. Is agriculture the primary use of the land, or just pretext?
3. What percentage of land, revenue, and activity is actually farming?
4. Does the property function like a farm, or like something else (e.g. an event venue?)
The answer to all of the questions above is NO.
F someone plants a tiny vineyard, produces a negligible output, but runs a large event venue and guesthouse rental-the
primary use is commercial, not agriculture. I earnestly ask the NA Planning Board to look at the REAL use of the land- not
what it has been 'labeled'- and to ensure that the Dover Amendment protections are not stretched beyond its intended
scope.
Jean, will you please share my concerns with the member of the Planning Board?
Thank you!
Nicole
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