Date: Fri 19-Jul-1996

Publication: Bee

Author: ANDYG

Quick Words:

P&Z-subdivision

Full Text:

Two Subdivision Proposals Draw Fire From Neighbors

B Y A NDREW G OROSKO

Two small proposed residential subdivisions drew fire from nearby residents

July 11 at public hearings conducted by the Planning and Zoning Commission

(P&Z).

Many residents of the Lone Oak Meadows residential subdivision in Sandy Hook

spoke in strong opposition to M&F, Inc's. proposal to re-subdivide Lot 32 in

Lone Oak Meadows into two house lots.

The P&Z initially had approved that lot for the construction of one

single-family home.

M&F, Inc, now, however, is seeking to cut the lot into two lots, so that two

single-family homes can be built on the almost six-acre parcel. One house

would be located to the rear of the house now under construction which fronts

on Fawnwood Road.

Land engineer Larry Edwards, representing M&F, said the land has one-acre

residential zoning.

Attorney Joseph D'Agostino, Jr, representing his father, Joseph D'Agostino of

14 Fawnwood Road, said the development proposal poses some serious safety

issues. The driveway to serve the rear lot would be built on a very steep

section of rock ledge, posing vehicular safety and child safety concerns,

according to the attorney.

Others complaints voiced by nearby residents included: a loss of privacy;

decreased property values; a higher than expected population density in the

area; and damaged aesthetics.

Mr Edwards responded that the driveway which is needed to reach the house

proposed for a rear lot wouldn't be as hazardous as was portrayed by the

neighbors.

Builder Joseph McGowan, one of the principals in M&F, disputed claims by an

area resident that M&F's equipment had crossed the resident's property without

permission.

The P&Z took no action on the resubdivision request. The P&Z was scheduled to

resume the public hearing on the matter on July 18, after the deadline for

this edition of The Bee.

Five-Lot Proposal

In another matter July 11, P&Z members heard complaints from nearby residents

about a proposal from owner Colgate University for New England Woods, a 5-lot

subdivision on 21 acres on Jet Brook Road.

Attorney Peter Gaboriault represented Brian Corson in the application. Mr

Corson is the contractual owner and proposed developer for the project.

Several nearby residents complained that they hadn't received timely notices

of the public hearing on the subdivision proposal from the developers as is

required by the town.

Following the hearing, P&Z members unanimously rejected the development

application, stating the all the criteria required by the P&Z hadn't been met

in the application. The town sanitarian's office has found serious

deficiencies in the application, according to P&Z member Heidi Winslow.

In other business at the July 11 P&Z session, commission members approved the

"first cut" of land for the proposed Wedgewood residential subdivision off

Taunton Hill Road. M&E Land Group is proposing a 15-lot subdivision on 28

acres.

The first cut was made to create a building lot for a house which already

exists on the parcel. The P&Z is scheduled to consider creating the other 14

house lots at an upcoming meeting.

Also on July 11, P&Z members adopted a resolution endorsing the construction

of a sewage treatment plant and sewer system for the town.