Princeton discusses Massey Meadows preliminary plat; sidewalk, drainage and septic constraints drive debate

The Princeton Board of Commissioners on Aug. 4 reviewed the preliminary plat for the Massey Meadows subdivision and spent more than 20 minutes weighing sidewalk requirements, roadside drainage details and septic-system constraints that affect lot layout and buildable area.

The issue centered on whether the town should require a five‑foot sidewalk in the public right of way for the new subdivision or accept a fee in lieu and record a sidewalk easement outside the 50‑foot right of way. Steven Sanderson of Sanderson Engineering, who prepared the sketch plan, told the board the required roadway and ditch cross‑section leave insufficient room for a sidewalk inside the right of way without changing the right‑of‑way width or moving the road off‑center.

"I can't make I can't put 10 pounds of potatoes in a 5 pound sack. It just don't work," Sanderson said, explaining the geometric limits of the proposed typical street section and the need for a protective separation between pavement and pedestrians.

Why it matters: Sidewalk and drainage choices will affect future connectivity to nearby development and trails, the size of buildable areas on individual lots, and how much impervious surface the subdivision contributes to town stormwater calculations.

Key technical points and options discussed - Cross‑section constraints: Sanderson described a typical section that, from centerline…