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Burt Mill Estates amendment: board schedules site walk, grants 90-day extension after applicant resolves prior defaults
Summary
The Planning Board reviewed Burt Mill Estates’ long-running approvals history, confirmed defaults have been addressed, raised concerns about developer capacity and set a site walk for Dec. 13 with a 90-day extension for outstanding items.
The Wells Planning Board spent extended time Monday on the Burt Mill Estates amendment, reviewing the project’s approvals history, outstanding defaults that staff says have been remedied, and the capacity of the developer to complete remaining work. The board scheduled a site walk for Saturday, Dec. 13 at 8 a.m. and granted a 90-day extension for the application.
Staff summary and history - Planning staff reported that the 174-unit approval for the larger development dates to 2015 and that earlier approvals and subsequent amendments go back to 2005; the board was told the project is "grandfathered" under earlier ordinances and that defaults tied to buffers, a fire pond and other deficiencies have been resolved. - Staff noted prior performance guarantees were used to address earlier defaults and that those required corrections (buffer plantings, fire-pond maintenance) have been completed and inspected.
Board concerns and actions - Multiple board members expressed concern about the developer’s capacity and the town’s prior need to step in to complete corrective work; members suggested adding contractual or ordinance teeth to prevent a developer with outstanding defaults from starting other projects in town. - The board voted to hold a full site walk on Saturday, Dec. 13 at 8 a.m. and unanimously approved a 90-day extension to allow the applicant and staff to prepare materials and stake the site for inspection.
Why it matters: Burt Mill Estates is a large, multi-phase project with a history of defaults and town intervention; the board emphasized rigorous oversight before any new approvals or transfers occur.
Next steps: The board will inspect the site in December; staff and the applicant will coordinate stakeouts, documentation of well and pond conditions, and confirm remaining performance guarantees and escrow arrangements during the 90-day extension.
