Habitat group seeks 2-acre subdivision for affordable-home project; board stresses right-of-way, wetlands and connectivity

The South Burlington Development Review Board reviewed a sketch-plan subdivision (SKK 2502) on June 3 proposed by Northeast Agricultural Trust to subdivide a 36.2-acre parcel into a 34.2-acre lot and a 2-acre lot at 1720 Spear Street. Applicants present said the smaller lot would be used to advance an affordable-home project.

Why it matters: The proposal would create a new two-acre lot that an affordable-housing developer intends to acquire and build on if permits and subdivision requirements can be met. Staff emphasized that because the application creates two new lots, the board must confirm that the balance-of-property will remain compliant with city rules and that planned right-of-way dedications are made where required.

Representatives David Mullen and Robin Pierce of Green Mountain Habitat for Humanity, representing Northeast Agricultural Trust for this application, said their organization seeks to subdivide a 2-acre parcel with the aim of producing an affordable homeownership opportunity. They said Habitat has an option agreement to purchase the 2-acre lot if it proves permittable for housing.

Staff requested several items at final plat: a wetlands delineation no more than five years old to identify size, function and classification; a buildable-area calculation for the proposed Lot 1 that deducts limitations and constraints; and documentation of planned right-of-way dimensions and dedication arrangements. Staff noted one planned city street (shown as Road Number 1 in the staff diagram) runs through the larger parcel and must be dedicated to the city when the subdivision is recorded; the board and applicants discussed two additional potential connections (labeled 2 and 3 in the staff packet) that staff recommends be considered for future connectivity but which are not currently required as planned city streets.

Board and staff discussion emphasized connectivity and future circulation. Staff explained that although applicants said they were only interested in the 2-acre lot, the board must consider the impacts of creating two lots so the residual lot remains developable and meets LDR requirements. The board advised applicants to consult with the directors of Planning and Public Works to identify and finalize the exact right-of-way dimensions and to determine whether dedicating rights-of-way at this time is appropriate or whether an explanatory plan should accompany the next submittal.

Other staff recommendations included confirming whether any habitat-block exchange would be proposed (the applicants said no), accounting for minimum-density requirements in the neighborhood pattern, and considering DPW comments on water distribution looping and connectivity. No members of the public offered comment at the sketch hearing.

Next steps: The board expects the applicant to provide the wetlands delineation (if older than five years), the buildable-area calculations for the newly created lots, clarified right-of-way dedication plans or an explanation for deferred dedications, and responses to DPW comments before final plat review.