WESTERLY, R.I. (AP) -- Two quarry companies are suing Westerly officials for $10 million, saying they are victims of a conspiracy that has included bogus findings of zoning violations and other unfair enforcement practices that violated their constitutional rights.
The Westerly Sun reports that Copar Quarries of Westerly Inc. and Westerly Granite Co. filed a lawsuit last month against the Town Council, Zoning Board of Review and several town officials.
The companies have been fighting a cease-and-desist order on operations in part of a local quarry since August. They allege town officials pressured the now-former zoning officer into issuing a violation notice against them.
The former zoning officer, Elizabeth Burdick, has claimed she was intimidated and threatened by town officials.
Town officials say the allegations by the companies and Burdick are untrue.