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Neighbors raise groundwater concerns as Planning Board continues 197 Jenkins Road private-road review; board requires hydrogeologic study
Summary
The Planning Board heard public comments about flooding, past septic failures and requests from condominium owners. The board voted 5-0 to deny the applicant’s waiver request and require a hydrogeologic assessment before further review; the public hearing was continued to March 18.
The Planning Board on Feb. 18 continued review of a private-road and subdivision-related application for 197 Jenkins Road (Map 91 Lot 7) after receiving public comments and an applicant response filed the day of the meeting. The board unanimously voted to require a hydrogeologic assessment rather than grant the applicant’s requested waiver.
Why it matters: The site lies in an area of high groundwater, serves properties on private septic systems and abuts condominium owners who reported prior drainage problems and a failed septic system on a neighboring lot. Board members said hydrogeologic information is necessary to evaluate impacts on groundwater, wells and nearby septic systems before approving a private road and additional lots.
What happened at the meeting - Public comment: Multiple abutters spoke, citing concerns over the water table, prior septic failures and drainage problems at nearby Silver Pines condominiums. Commenters asked how new development would affect groundwater and longtime well users. - Applicant response and after-the-fact submission: The applicant (represented by Eric Dubey with Trillium Engineering) submitted a response packet and a draft private-road maintenance agreement late; staff acknowledged the materials but said the city engineer had not yet completed a review and that late materials can be considered at the next hearing. - Waiver decision: The applicant had requested waivers including one for a hydrogeologic assessment and another related to stormwater calculations. After discussion, the board voted 5-0 to deny the waiver for a hydrogeologic assessment and to require the applicant to submit that study (motion by Jeff Brochu; second by Joyce Lurie Clark). The board left the stormwater waiver question for later review pending the city engineer’s input. - Public hearing: The board opened the public hearing, heard multiple speakers, then continued the hearing to March 18 to allow staff and consultants time to review the applicant’s late submission and for the applicant to provide the required study and additional materials.
Next steps: The applicant must prepare and submit a hydrogeologic assessment and coordinate with the city engineer on outstanding stormwater, road-maintenance and other engineering comments. The public hearing was continued to March 18, and the board asked staff to post the applicant’s after‑the‑fact packet for public review.
Speakers quoted or referenced: Eric Dubey (applicant civil engineer, Trillium Engineering), Shannon Chisholm (Assistant Planner), Jeff Brochu (Planning Board member), Joyce Lurie Clark (vice chair), Don Fisk (Code Enforcement, referenced), condo association representatives (public commenters).
