Date: Fri 23-May-1997

Publication: Bee

Author: ANDYG

Quick Words:

P&Z-Misty-Vale-Acres

Full Text:

Five Lots Proposed For Misty Vale Acres

B Y A NDREW G OROSKO

Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) members are considering a proposal to

create five building lots on almost 14 acres at the Misty Vale Acres

residential development in Sandy Hook.

SARJ Properties, Inc, wants to resubdivide the land which has most of its

frontage on Misty Vale Road and some frontage on Jeremiah Road.

The applicant presented development plans to the P&Z at a May 15 public

hearing. SARJ received approval for wetlands work for the project from the

Conservation Commission on April 14.

Attorney Bill Denlinger, representing SARJ, said that about 30 years ago, ten

building lots were approved for the acreage for which SARJ is now seeking five

lots. Although the ten lots were approved, houses were never constructed

there, he added.

Since the initial approval, the land has been "upzoned," requiring a minimum

lot size of two acres instead of one acre.

Engineer Alan Shepard, representing SARJ, said the developers would gain

access to the five lots by extending the dead-end Misty Vale Road.

P&Z member Thomas Paisley asked why Misty Vale Road isn't being extended out

to the nearby Jeremiah Road.

There isn't any particular need to connect the two roads, Mr Shepard said.

Mr Paisley explained that the P&Z prefers that new houses be built on

through-roads rather than dead-end streets. But, he added, the developer's

proposal does meets the town's land use regulations.

P&Z members prefer through-roads to dead-end streets because such a road

layout provides more ways for emergency vehicles to reach any given point in

the town road network.

Resident Michael Troy of 15 Misty Vale Road, whose property is next to the

development site, noted that much earthen fill would be placed near his

domestic water well as part of the construction project. Mr Troy asked whether

such work would result in his water well becoming contaminated.

Mr Troy said he's never experienced water supply problems with his well,

adding he wants to make sure his water supply remains as it is.

Also, he said he is concerned about the proximity of an adjacent proposed

septic system. Mr Troy said he's asked the developers to place the proposed

septic system farther away from his property.

Mr Troy noted he has a finished basement and wants to ensure that blasting

done for the development won't harm his house.

Pointing out that Misty Vale Road would be extended over a wetland area to

provide access to the new houses, Mr Troy asked what will happen to existing

surface water in the area.

In its April 14 wetlands approval, the Conservation Commission allows SARJ to

fill in wetland soil for road construction, and to construct a stormwater

detention basin within 50 feet of a wetland, among other work.

Joan Troy, also of 15 Misty Vale Road, said her house doesn't have any

foundation problems. She said she doesn't want to incur any property damage

due to the proposed development.

Mr Troy said he prefers that no blasting be done for the development project.

Mr Denlinger said the developer can't guarantee that there won't be any

problems associated with the new construction.

"We'll take all safeguards that are reasonably rational," he said.

Mr Shepard said the developers are aware of the Troy's water well location and

will be careful in developing the area. SARJ doesn't propose directing any

water onto the Troy property, he said.