DRB Hearing - 7.15.20
Town of LeicesterDevelopment Review Board MinutesWednesday, July 15, 2020*Unapproved*** See subsequent minutes for any changes Members Present Remotely: Peter Fjeld, Donna Swinington, Jeff McDonough, Suki Fredericks, Bill Shouldice Members Absent: Hannah Sessions, Alternate Others Present: Heather Shouldice, Ashley Wolff, Scott Baker, Bethany Menkart, Sandra Trombley, Minute Taker Call to Order: Meeting called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Chair with roll call. Hearing of Sketch Plan Review on Parcel #202126 for a 3-lot Subdivision Randall E. Johnson Revocable Trust: Notice of hearing was read by Sandy Trombley. Heather Shouldice turned the proposal over to Scott Baker with Barnard & Gervais, LLC; as he was ready to present the application. Heather will give information as needed. He has worked with Heather to prepare the 3-lot subdivision sketch plan. Scott explained that the proposal is for a 3-lot subdivision on an existing 5.27 acre parcel that is located in both Lakeshore 1 and Lakeshore 2 Zoning Districts; along Lake Dunmore Road, Route 53. The parcel is comprised of three distinct areas that are already divided naturally by Indian Trail and by the shared driveway access that is just south of Indian Trail. The proposed lots 1 & 2 are 2.15 acres and 2.02 acres respectively in the L2 District. Lot 3 is proposed at 1.10 acres, primarily in the L1 District. Lot 1 is accessed by Indian Trail. Lot 2 is accessed by Lake Dunmore Road and Lot 3 by the existing shared gravel access. Heather explained they are proposing the right of way by the continuation of an existing road called Sandy Point Lane. Scott explained the subdivision is fairly straight forward. Lots 1 & 2 are fully complying with the standards. Lot 3 is a little different because it spans across both L1 & L2 Districts and has two viable building sites. One option was to locate the potential future house in the L1 District, close to the lake and clear as much as possible. Scott explained that they didn’t feel that would be a good approach and to be good neighbors and respectful to the character of the area and the environment. So, they looked at Lot 3, identifying a second building site, which was entirely outside the L1 District. It is on the south side of Sandy Point Lane and would be close to the existing access, minimal impervious surface area, and a very tight building envelope. In order for that to work, the standard 50’ setbacks, would wipe out any potential usable building site in the L2 District. It would almost force the house to be in the L1 District. Scott stated what they were asking for was a waiver for Lot 3 for the setbacks to be that of the L1 District; where the 25’ boundary setback would enable the building site be on the edge of the road in the L2 District.Even with the 25’ setback, it’s still a very small building site. They feel it would be a much kinder approach to the neighbors, zero impact to the L1 District and be the best and most responsible solution all around. Scott explained that they are looking at this as bringing closure to this property. Putting the houses in the most appropriate, suitable places, as a whole for the community. They think it is a responsible layout and bring closure and finality to the property. Peter asked what the constraints were on Lot 3 that pushes it in. Scott explained that Lot 3 has two possible building sites. The proposed house site is based on the 25’ setbacks to remain on the plateau instead of the house being closer to the lake. They would like to put it in the more responsible location, but it would only work with the waiver. Donna asked if the Board had heard anything from the neighbors. Heather recused herself as a neighbor. Ashley Wolff was on the phone and shared her main concern was the lot that borders Indian Trail. She is concerned with keeping the lake as unpopulated as possible in the little cove. She was concerned with current run off and taking into account septic issues when they buy a piece of land. She doesn’t want to see any more mobile homes put in that area. Heather explained that the State is not allowing any new trailers on the Lorraine Johnson property. She can keep what’s there and reduce them, but she can’t add any. Heather doesn’t think that the lot Ashley is referring to is allowable for trailers. Ashley asked for someone to screen share the map or email her a copy. Suki emailed it to her. Heather helped explain the lot to her. Ashley asked about the existing dump sites in the woods that look like they are in proposed Lot 1. The consensus seemed to be that any preexisting conditions of the lot would need to be dealt with by anyone purchasing the lot for a house site. Peter repeated Ashley’s concerns:
- No more mobile homes
- Run off on lot on Indian Trail
- Existing dump sites
- Concerns with existing dumps on Lot 1
- Forest fragmentation
- L1 clearing
- Determine the dump locations on Lot 1
- Identify issues with forest fragmentation
- L1 clearing needs to be determined