Date: Fri 24-Jan-1997

Publication: Bee

Author: ANDYG

Quick Words:

P&Z-The-Estates-Taunton-Hill

Full Text:

Taunton Hill Development Plan Raises Questions About Frontage

B Y A NDREW G OROSKO

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

subdivision regulation concerning lots with dual frontages to the resdidential

development proposal known as The Estates on Taunton Hill.

Da Mota, LLC, is seeking P&Z approval for 19 lots on 60 acres near Taunton

Hill Road, Taunton Ridge Road, and Great Hill Road.

But at a recent public hearing, P&Z Chairman John DeFilippe pointed out that

four of the lots in the proposed development have what are known as "dual

frontages."

An applicable regulation stipulates, in part, "Except in cases of unusual

topography or property lines, through-lots bounding on two generally parallel

streets will not be permitted."

At a January 16 session, Attorney Stephen Wippermann, representing Da Mota,

argued that the P&Z should allow all 19 lots requested by the developer.

Mr Wippermann pointed to previous cases in which the P&Z approved other lots

in other subdivisions where the same subdivision regulation concerning "dual

frontage" lots applied.

Mr Wippermann said the P&Z approved dual frontage lots in 1992 with the

generally parallel streets Founders Lane and Bennetts Bridge Road, finding

that the "unusual topography" was the presence of wetlands.

Also, many lots with generally parallel streets on two sides were allowed

along High Rock Road in 1979, he said.

Other examples he cited involve lots between Stonewall Ridge Road and Poverty

Hollow Road approved in 1988, and lots between Ridge Road and Boggs Hill Road.

As a possible development alternative to the subdivision plan for The Estates

on Taunton Hill, Mr Wippermann suggested that a proposed through-road there

known as Glenmor Drive be made a dead end road. But doing that would require

increasing the number of driveways intersecting with Taunton Hill Road to

maintain 19 lots in the subdivision, he said.

Adding driveway entrances along Taunton Hill Road would require removing

scenic barns from the site, he said. The developer would like to preserve the

barns, Mr Wippermann said, adding the plan that has been presented to the P&Z

indicates the most logical places to build roads.

Rear lots also would need to be created, the attorney added.

The plan which the developer presented to the P&Z on January 2 is "the best

development solution" for the property, according to Mr Wippermann. "This is

less an exception than has been granted (by the P&Z) in the past," he argued.

P&Z member Stephen Koch asked why the dual frontage lot matter wasn't brought

to the P&Z's attention by the developer at a January 2 public hearing.

Mr Wippermann replied the developer didn't think it was an issue.

Mr DeFilippe told P&Z members he has learned the developer doesn't need to

reach a road work agreement with the selectmen in connection with the

development proposal.

The P&Z is expected to act on The Estates on Taunton Hill at an upcoming

session.

Residents living near the site of the proposed subdivision told P&Z members

January 2 they are concerned that added development there will endanger

existing well water supplies, create traffic hazards, and pose drainage

problems.

At that session, resident Joseph Kelly of 103 Taunton Hill Road said with the

coming on The Estates on Taunton Hill, the area will lose its "country lane"

atmosphere. He urged P&Z members to make sure the development's design is in

accord with the town's plan of development. If the P&Z considers it necessary,

it should hire an independent consultant to analyze the subdivision proposal,

Mr Kelly said.