The Gorham Planning Board public hearing on a proposed asphalt plant resumes this Thursday, although comment from the public – a highlight of Monday’s hearing – may not be allowed.

The multi-million-dollar project proposed by Shaw Brothers Construction Inc., Gorham, on its 125-acre site on Mosher Road, has met organized opposition from the outset. The company bought the property, which is zoned industrial, from Lachance Brick Co.

Neighbors’ worries include noise, dust, traffic and the health impact. In two hours of public comments Monday, 21 residents spoke against the project while four favored it.

The Planning Board will continue its review at 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 20, in the council chambers in the municipal center, 75 South St. A public comment period is unlikely, Town Planner Deborah Fossum said after Monday’s meeting.

Danny Shaw, co-owner of the company, responded to opponents questions Monday. “We’re not going to hurt anyone’s quality of life,” Shaw said.

The latest in a series of public meetings, which began in January 2007, was attended by 40 people. The company introduced the project to the town in August 2006. Town planners and neighbors viewed the site that October and the company filed its formal application in December 2006. Plans have been revised four times.

Resident Michael Goldman, Gateway Commons, asked planners Monday whether they had been listening.

“We do hear you,” Planning Board member Edward Zelmanow said later.

Tom Hughes, also a member of the board, said the public input had been invaluable.

“We have never taken this long to get something done,” Hughes said.