Date: Fri 12-Dec-1997

Publication: Bee

Author: ANDYG

Quick Words:

P&Z-Abbey-Ridge-Estates-Memoli

Full Text:

P&Z Rejects Abbey Ridge Estates Proposal

BY ANDREW GOROSKO

Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) members have unanimously rejected the

controversial Abbey Ridge Estates residential subdivision, citing several

concerns about the proposal for eight building lots on 20 acres off South Main

Street.

P&Z members turned down the application after a brief discussion at a December

4 session.

The applicant for the development, Angelo Memoli, is expected to return to the

P&Z with modified subdivision plans addressing P&Z's objections. Mr Memoli is

represented by Spath-Bjorklund Associates, an engineering firm.

At a November public hearing, residents living near the site eyed for

development voiced fears that the blasting needed to build there will damage

their properties. They also said the project would worsen traffic safety in an

already hazardous area.

The land is on the east side of South Main Street, just south of the

intersection of South Main Street, Botsford Hill Road, and Meadow Brook Road.

P&Z member Daniel Fogliano questioned the amount of open space land proposed

as part of the development project. The 1.3 acres is less than the minimum 10

percent of a parcel which the P&Z customarily requires of developers, he said.

The land would be donated to the Newtown Forest Association, which has other

open space holdings in the area.

Also, Mr Fogliano questioned the estimated 25,000 cubic yards of earth

materials which would be excavated for road building, saying that amount of

material is "too much." The rugged terrain would require blasting to make it

suitable for home building.

P&Z member Heidi Winslow said the application does not comply with P&Z's

regulations on open space, adding the proposed open space poses public access

problems.

P&Z Chairman Stephen Koch pointed out the driveway for the proposed Lot 8

would exceed the P&Z's maximum grade of 15 percent. He also questioned the way

the developer would create sufficient square footage for the proposed Lot 2.

Also, a stormwater detention basin proposed for the site would pose a public

safety hazard, Mr Koch said.

Stormwater detention basins are small artificial ponds formed by mounding up

earth on a development site. The basins typically are empty. When a storm

occurs, water from the site drains into the basin from which it is slowly

released into waterways off the site. Using such structures is intended to

prevent erosion and sedimentation problems. However, some residents have

complained that such basins in subdivisions pose safety risks to children.

P&Z member Michael Osborne said the sight lines available to motorists leaving

the development and looking onto South Main Street would be "very dangerous."

P&Z member Robert Taylor noted that South Main Street carries very heavy

traffic during rush periods, stressing his safety concerns about motorists

entering and exiting the site.

P&Z members then unanimously rejected the application.

Based on concerns about the amount of earth material which would be removed

and concerns about driveway steepness and angles, plus other factors, Town

Engineer Ronald Bolmer had recommended against approving Abbey Ridge Estates.

At the November hearing, several residents living on streets near the

development site voiced concerns that the blasting required to build Abbey

Ridge Estates would damage their properties, including possible water well and

home foundation damage.