Planning commission approves final plan for Highlands at Hopkins Hill after negotiating inspection and asphalt language

The Coventry Planning Commission on Sept. 24 approved the final plan for the Highlands at Hopkins Hill, a proposed 66-unit detached single-family condominium development off Dante Boulevard, after negotiators from the applicant and town staff resolved disagreements over certificate-of-conformance (COC) language and the timing of the final asphalt top coat.

Attorney Joel Rocha represented the owner/applicant (D 2 Homes and Company) and explained the applicant’s objections to proposed conditions requiring the engineer of record to certify compaction testing and final asphalt be placed before final certificates of occupancy. Engineer Greg Guglielmo of DePreet Engineering described the technical difference between roadway testing (compaction, pavement testing) and typical grading/landscape areas, saying the latter are not normally subject to the same level of testing on residential projects.

Town staff said the requested COC language was intended to ensure EOR verification that fill materials used across the site are suitable and to provide the town some leverage if private roadwork (including the final top coat of asphalt) was not completed after construction. Staff and the applicant negotiated three changes: (1) clarify that the EOR will certify that fill materials used outside the roadway are “suitable for the site” rather than require compaction testing across all landscaped or yard areas; (2) retain landscaping as a component of the third/final COC while treating the final asphalt top coat separately; and (3) add a commitment that the final course of asphalt will be installed “as soon as weather and construction schedules permit,” with staff and the applicant noting possible scheduling delays when asphalt plants close for winter.

Commissioners asked for a concrete assurance to guard homeowners; the solicitor said the town would not accept a bond in the town’s favor for this private road. Commissioners discussed alternatives such as escrow, notice provisions to buyers, or a contractual guarantee; the applicant agreed to the staff-drafted amendment (EOR certification language and the asphalt timing language) and to language committing to a completion timeline “as soon as weather permits.” The board’s motion approved the final plan subject to the amended conditions of approval discussed at the meeting. The motion passed unanimously.

Votes at the meeting show the motion to approve the final plan was made by Vice Chairman Colloonian and seconded by Commissioner Price. "All those in favor? Aye." The board recorded no opposing votes.

What the commission approved: the applicant may proceed with the final plan for 66 detached single-family condominium units, with the revised COC language requiring EOR certification that fill materials outside roadways are suitable and a condition stating final asphalt will be put down as soon as weather and construction schedules permit. Final certification steps, standard inspections and administrative review will follow as the project proceeds toward building permits and construction.