Date: Fri 28-Jul-1995

Publication: Bee

Author: ANDYG

Quick Words:

xxx-Turkey-Hill-subdivision

Full Text:

Developers Seek A Resolution Of Their Subdivision Review

B Y A NDREW G OROSKO

The developers of a seven-lot residential subdivision proposed for Turkey Hill

Road continue to seek town approvals for their construction plans.

Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) Chairman John Deegan told the developers

July 20 they must obtain a "road work agreement" for the construction project

from the selectmen before the P&Z can take action on their application. The

developers, Raymond-Anderson Properties, have failed to reach a road work

agreement with the selectmen. The 17.5-acre parcel sought for development at

32 Turkey Hill Road is owned by The Estate of Francis D'Addario.

"We're not involved in the details of public roads," Mr Deegan told the

applicants, noting that developers and the selectmen must work out the details

concerning what public road improvements the developers will make in

connection with their subdivision project.

At a July 6 P&Z public hearing on the development proposal, Attorney William

Denlinger, representing Raymond-Anderson, said the developers had agreed to

make approximately $40,000 of public storm drainage improvements as part of

their construction proposal, but the selectmen then decided they wanted the

developers to make another approximately $40,000 worth of road improvements,

pushing the developers' costs for public improvements on the project to

approximately $80,000. In seeking approximately $80,000 in public improvement

work from the developers, the selectmen are seeking too much, according to Mr

Denlinger.

"The town is on tenuous ground when it comes to making (developers do)

off-site improvements," Mr Denlinger said July 20.

The town doesn't have a "blank check" to have developers make public

improvements, he said, adding he believes the selectmen are wrong in requiring

the developers to make so many public improvements in connection with a

subdivision project.

Mr Denlinger said the developers have drawn new maps in seeking to establish

the amount of public improvement work they would do in connection with the

subdivision.

The developers propose donating 2.5 acres of the 17.5-acre parcel as open

space land for public passive recreational use, he said. The 2.5 acres is

along a stream.

Initially, approximately $44,000 worth of public improvements by the

developers were proposed. Under the developers' latest proposal, approximately

$52,500 of public improvements would be done. The $8,500 in additional work,

brining the total to $52,500, would be used for road paving and patching, plus

curbing work.

"I'm just trying to figure out how we can bring this to a conclusion," Mr

Denlinger said of the developers' desire to receive land development

approvals.

Mr Deegan said P&Z members must talk to Town Attorney David Grogins on aspects

of the development proposal.

Mr Deegan said the first selectman has stressed that the P&Z shouldn't become

involved in specifying what public road work should be done by developers in

connection with subdivision projects.

P&Z members voted to continue the public hearing on the Turkey Hill Road

subdivision proposal until the P&Z's August 3 meeting for further discussion

and consideration.