Planning commission OKs four‑lot subdivision at former community pool; neighbors press drainage and traffic concerns

The Planning Commission approved a minor subdivision and associated variances to split 4386 Maple Park Road into four parcels, a proposal that generated multiple public comments about drainage, a prior sinkhole and street parking safety.

Planning staff explained the proposal is a minor subdivision of the former community pool property into four lots, with Lot 1 requiring lot‑width and lot‑depth variances because of its narrow frontage and longer depth. Staff noted the site is zoned R‑3, which requires 12,000 square feet of lot area and a 35‑foot width at the right of way; the applicants asked variances for specific dimensional standards on Lot 1 and Lot 2 to enable the four‑lot layout.

Several nearby residents spoke during public comment. Mary Appleby, who lives across from the former pool, asked when construction could begin and whether the filled pool area had been compacted. She said parts of the former pool area are wet and asked how drainage would be handled. Sharon Martino, an adjacent property owner, said a 16‑foot sinkhole formed on her property last year and asked whether county or utility agencies had addressed the storm and sewer infrastructure. "I had a 16 foot sinkhole that the city of Stowe maintenance had to come in and fill due to washout back there," Martino said, and she asked what rights adjacent property owners have to request resurveying or drainage work.

Applicant response: Matthew Neff, speaking for the owner/developer, said the lots are planned as "for‑sale homes" rather than rentals and that future building permits and site plans for each lot would include engineered drainage solutions. Neff said the former pool was filled and compacted "in 6 inch lifts" and that if any localized settlement occurs it should be minor and addressed when building. He said detailed site plans and engineered drainage measures will be reviewed before any building permits are issued.

Action and outcome: The commission moved and seconded approval of PC2025‑5201 (minor subdivision and variances for 4386 Maple Park Road). Roll call was unanimous in favor (Clancy: yes; Wagner: yes; Trepto: yes; Basic: yes; Deculiak: yes) and the motion carried. Staff reminded the public that no building is proposed now; the approval covers the subdivision and associated variances only.

What residents should expect next: The applicant must submit site plans for each lot before building; those plans will trigger engineering review for drainage, utilities and erosion control and will be reviewed by the city and relevant county utilities for sewer/stormwater adequacy.