Brookside subdivision advances; DEP permit in hand, Army Corps review ongoing

The Wells Planning Board heard a presentation and reviewed materials for Brookside, a proposed 25-lot single-family subdivision on about 62 acres on the east side of Meeting House Road. The developer said each lot will be served by an individual well and septic system and by a single loop road about 2,324 feet long.

Craig Burgess of Acorn Engineering, speaking for developer Jason (last name not specified), told the board that runoff will be managed with underdrain soil filters and a wooded buffer. He said the project required a Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) site law permit and a Natural Resources Protection Act permit because the proposal exceeds 14 lots on a parcel larger than 30 acres. Burgess said the project had secured the DEP permit and was awaiting the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permit for wetland impacts.

An abutter, Nelson Olivier, asked about septic systems near wetlands and whether mound (above-ground) systems would be needed; Burgess replied the design team would try to avoid mound systems and prefer conventional (flush) systems where feasible. A resident also asked about timing; the developer estimated six months to install roads and roughly a year for full build-out to occupancy after final approvals.

Town staff and the board reviewed a checklist of compliance items. Staff reported that the stormwater management plan and drainage model were reviewed and that some minor plan revisions and a final written approval from the fire chief for a cistern system remained outstanding. The board voted unanimously on several procedural determinations at the meeting: to deem the proposed open space as suitable, to not require shared driveways (since streets are private), and to accept prior determinations about granite monuments at corners. The board also voted to continue final action until outstanding items are addressed — specifically, the Army Corps permit, final engineer responses to stormwater comments, and the fire chief’s written approval. The board set a condition that final approval would be held until OmniCode approval is obtained plus 14 days.

Board members discussed sidewalk location and maintenance: if sidewalks are placed in the town right-of-way they would be the town’s maintenance responsibility; homeowners’ associations have the option to maintain sidewalks but cannot be required to do so if sidewalks lie on public property.

Staff said the developer would submit a full landscaping packet (the board had received only one page) and add deed restrictions and wetland buffer signage for lots with wetlands, similar to prior subdivisions. The board closed the public hearing and will workshop final plan revisions and outstanding permit items at upcoming meetings before granting final subdivision approval.