FARMINGTON – Residents will have an opportunity Tuesday to express their opinions on a proposed amendment to the shoreland zoning ordinance for a shopping center project at Knowlton Corner and Wilton roads.
Selectmen will hear comments on the issue early in their meeting and are expected to approve a warrant to hold a special town meeting on the issue Nov. 8. If shoreland zoning is changed for the 70-acre strip of land along Wilson Stream, it would begin to clear the way for the sale of the land by Tom and Janice Daku to developers who plan to build a shopping center there. Several other homeowners along Knowlton Corner Road have pending offers to sell their property to the developers as well.
Proponents for the shopping center feel that the increased tax base and additional jobs would benefit the town. Opponents cite wildlife conservation, flood plain degradation and increased truck traffic as concerns.
A new issue will be brought to the table by a Perham Street resident, who will request the town pay for expenses to replace a sewer line to her home.
Elizabeth Cushman of 144 Perham St. has spent nearly $4,000 in the last four years to rectify a sewer backup that continues to plague her home, according to Town Manager Richard Davis. A town ordinance for sewer use requires that homeowners maintain, at their own expense, pipes to and from their homes. The issue, however, stems from a tree Cushman believes was planted by the town’s conservation commission 10 to 15 years ago. The tree’s roots grow into her plumbing, blocking the outlet.
Davis is not sure if the tree was planted by the town. He said he encouraged Cushman to bring the issue to the selectmen.
Cushman will be asking selectmen to foot the entire bill to replace the pipe at an estimated $2,475. If approved, the repair will be paid with money from the town’s sewer budget.
Other issues to be considered at the selectmen’s meeting will be a discussion of a three-month extension of the current ambulance service agreement, a bid on a new cruiser for the police department, an update on a public safety vehicle to be purchased with a homeland security grant and amendments to the town’s municipal vehicle operation policy that will allow the town to check driving records of employees who will potentially drive town vehicles. They will also sign the Franklin County mutual aid agreement.
GO AND DO:
WHAT: Farmington selectmen’s meeting and public hearing on amendment to shoreland zoning ordinance for Knowlton Corner shopping center project
WHEN: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday
WHERE: Farmington Municipal Building
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