EVEN SMALL DEVELOPMENTS CAN POSE PROBLEMS

There is a proposed small development on Willow Lane about which there are serious concerns. It's a 60 acre parcel with steep slopes, wetlands, and limited access. The developers want to create three flag lots toward the back of the parcel and have argued they should not be required to cluster as encouraged by Clinton's Master Plan and zoning code. One proposed driveway will require blasting through a steep ridge from Willow Lane back for 100 feet or so. This will then require major engineering to control erosion and drainage. Another driveway will eliminate the tree buffer next to a neighboring property and will proceed through a wet area which purportedly contains hydric soils. In addition, none of the lots has its own usable access to the road -- all of the driveways require easements through other properties. The Town's zoning code requires that every lot have the potential for independent access -- this protects the residents of these lots in case the easements and common driveway agreements fall apart.   

The plan for this development shows why flag lots are increasingly discouraged in many communities. The Town of Clinton Fire Chief and Town Engineer have concerns about the driveways as well. At the very least, the developers should be required to mitigate these impacts on the neighborhood.

The proposed development was on the Planning Board agenda for Tuesday, August 15th. With attorneys they have hired, all of the affected neighbors attended the hearing. It was a long meeting during which the lawyers raised a number of issues for the Board's consideration. No decisions were reached and the Planning Board voted to leave the hearing open. 

The principal point presented by the local neighbors was simply that the developers must be required to comply with the Town's zoning code and regulations. No one is saying they can't have a subdivision, but they must address the impact of the subdivision on the neighborhood. 

When the minutes from the Planning Board meeting become available we encourage people to read them if they are interested in this project. Any support that can be provided by the community will be appreciated.