Date: Fri 12-Apr-1996

Publication: Bee

Author: ANDYG

Quick Words:

Whispering-Pines-P&Z

Full Text:

Neighbors Protest Whispering Pines Subdivision Plans

B Y A NDREW G OROSKO

A proposal to build 19 four-bedroom houses in a thickly settled section of

Sandy Hook has drawn protests from neighborhood residents who say the

construction plans would worsen traffic hazards, endanger water supplies, and

strain the public school system.

PSD Partnership wants to build a residential subdivision called Whispering

Pines consisting of 19 houses on 26 acres. The property adjoins Cherry Street,

Pine Street, and Narragansett Trail.

Larry Edwards, an Easton land engineer and member of the development

partnership, described the project to Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z)

members at an April 4 public hearing that drew about 70 people.

The P&Z took no action on the development proposal.

The property envisioned for development has R-1 and R-« zoning. All lots in

the proposed subdivision would be at least one acre, according to Mr Edwards.

Four of the lots would lie off Narragansett Trail. A new road, which would

emanate from the intersection of Cherry Street and Pine Street, would extend

1,300 feet into the development. The developers have reached a road work

agreement with the town, Mr Edwards said.

The developers would remove approximately 50,000 cubic yards of earth

materials from the site as part of subdivision construction, Mr Edwards said.

Most of that material would be taken from a hillside to provide access to the

site, he said.

"Many Concerns"

Resident Michael Salvatore of Buttonball Drive objected to the development

proposal for a number of reasons.

"I have many concerns," he said, noting the subdivision would abut his

property. The construction project would involve placing 19 new houses in a

community that is already well developed, he said. "Our wells are already

fairly well-taxed," he said. The new homes, which would lie on land higher

than existing development in the area, will deplete water supplies in existing

wells, he said. The proposal also involves building 19 septic systems in the

area, he added.

Both the quantity of water and the quality of water which would be available

to existing wells after 19 new wells are drilled are prime concerns to area

residents, Mr Salvatore said.

It seems that local residential growth is less planned than it should be, he

said.

"I do not want to stand in the way of progress... I would like to see

(progress) managed better," he said. "Unmanaged growth... It has to be

addressed. It has to be controlled," he said. "I'm concerned for the integrity

of the structure of my house" in light of construction work in the area.

New development also will bring increased traffic to the neighborhood, he

added. The proposed development involves the construction of too many new

homes, thus creating negative effects on the neighborhood, Mr Salvatore said.

Gerald Williams of Maple Drive said he has a "low yield" well, noting that his

property lies downgrade of the site proposed for development. He added that

previous development in the area has hurt his water supply.

A Black Cherry Lane resident whose property abuts the development site, said

building more houses in the area will worsen traffic problems on narrow roads

where cars already travel too fast. Existing traffic makes it hazardous for

children, she said. She also expressed concerns about water supplies in the

area and asserted the picturesque quality of the site would be damaged if

homes are built there.

The P&Z received a petition signed by 26 residents concerned that added

development will worsen traffic hazards in an area with narrow, hilly roads

and blind curves.

Jack McGarvey of Fleetwood Drive said that considering the amount of wetlands

on the site, he's surprised the proposal has received a wetlands permit from

the Conservation Commission.

Mr McGarvey expressed concern that the construction project would cause

environmental damage. He termed the site "an absolutely beautiful piece of

property."

Another Fleetwood Drive resident said he has a 700-foot-deep well which barely

produces one gallon of water per minute. He added his property lies downgrade

of the site proposed for development, thus casting doubt on his future water

supply.

Joe Borst of Beechwood Drive said "The water concerns are paramount." He

argued that water supplies won't be able to support the increased housing

density that 19 new homes would create.

Mr Borst, a member of the Legislative Council, recommended that all P&Z

members inspect the property proposed for development and consider the project

in the context of existing heavy residential development there.

Mr Borst also expressed concerns about grading which would be done on the site

as well as new drainage patterns which would be created.

He suggested that P&Z members reduce the number of houses in the proposed

development from 19 to 10.

Allen Huebner of Black Cherry Lane termed the 19-house construction proposal

"a squeeze-in project." He warned there would be heavy truck traffic in the

area in connection with the earth moving.

Responses

In response to the various concerns raised by people living in the area, Mr

Edwards said the developers aren't seeking to maximize the number of lots

sought for the parcel, noting that it has R-« and R-1 zoning. Many existing

houses in the area surrounding the site probably are built on lots that are a

quarter acre or even smaller, he noted.

Mr Edwards acknowledged there will be some well water supply problems in the

area after new houses are built. But just where those problems will occur

can't be precisely predicted, he said.

The new wells which would be drilled to serve houses in Whispering Pines

should work, he said, noting it is in the developers' interest to sell houses

with properly-functioning wells.

Soil in the area is excellent for septic system construction, he added.

A section of Cherry Street extending to Glen Road will have drainage

improvements installed and resurfacing done by the developers, he said. Mr

Edwards predicted that traffic conditions in the area would improve due to the

road improvements.

As part of the proposed construction project, some land will be cleared and

some trees will remain on the site, he said.

The developers are seeking to have buffer areas visually screen the new

development from existing properties, according to Mr Edwards.

Concerning public comments made by several residents that adding houses to the

area will increase student enrollment pressures in the public schools, Mr

Edwards said his hometown of Easton and other towns also are experiencing such

school population pressures.