FARMINGTON – Farmington Planning Board members were impressed with plans for an eight-unit housing development proposed for 543 Knowlton Corner Road.
Vernon Schanck presented the plans, for the units he intends to rent to senior citizens, at the board’s meeting Monday night. The development will be called English Garden Estates.
The plan calls for two-bedroom homes to be built on heated concrete slabs. There is one well on the property, which has been judged to be adequate, but the plan has options for drilling two more wells if needed. The homes would have 1,000 to 1,500 square feet of living space.
Board members were worried about the development’s septic system. Because Schanck would own the property, any issues with the system would be his problem. The system is designed to be gravity-fed, with no pumps involved. Board members recommended that Schanck bury his lines at least 4 feet to prevent freezing. Schanck assured the board that he had plans to pump the system regularly.
Schanck said the only concerns voiced by abutting neighbors were from Laurette Audette, who was concerned about losing her privacy. Schanck offered to plant fir trees on his property.
Audette was also concerned about the development’s effect on her property’s value. Richard Davis, the Farmington town manager, said he believed the project would not adversely affect the value of Audette’s property. In fact, said board member William Marceau, it may add value.
Audette was also worried about dust that would be raised by vehicles using the proposed dirt road into the development, which would run next to her property.
Although Schanck did not promise a paved road, the dirt road is designed to specifications to allow for paving in the future. He said he figured that residents might not like the dirt road and he may want to pave it anyway.
L. Herbert York, chairman of the board, pointed out that if dust becomes a problem for Audette, Schanck would, by code, be required to pave the road. He said the planned road’s dimensions, as designed, would be suitable for paving and within the town’s ordinances.
Other abutters attended the meeting, and all said they were in favor of the proposal.
Board member Thomas Eastler asked if the panel could approve the project without taking it to a public hearing. All subdivisions, by law, need to go to a public hearing before a vote.
A lengthy discussion ensued.
Because Schanck would retain ownership of the property, members thought that they might be able to bypass the hearing process. However, York pointed out that because the proposal calls for more than three dwellings, it would require a public hearing. Some board members did not want to set a precedent.
The motion to approve the project, brought by Eastler, failed in a 3-3 vote. Board members unanimously approved a motion for a Oct. 4 public hearing, rather than waiting for their next meeting. The board approved the site review and application, and did not feel the need for a site walk.
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