Zoning board asks Select Board to advocate to Taunton Water Department on LeBaron Hill water extension

Members of the Town of Lakeville Zoning Board of Appeals agreed on June 12 to ask the Select Board to advocate to the Taunton Water Department to allow a line extension through Fern Avenue as part of the LeBaron Hill development and to avoid installing a valve or gate that would isolate the extension.

At the meeting a board member summarized a drafted letter that asks the Select Board to advocate that Taunton allow the extension "from LeBaron Boulevard through Fern Ave to Precinct Street as part of phase 6 for the development," and to refrain from requiring a gate that would prevent the new line from remaining active. The letter argues keeping the line active would improve water pressure and quality for the LeBaron community, and that homeowners have existing meters and are willing to upgrade them at their own expense to meet Taunton’s specifications if necessary.

Board members said the change would render a single, community meter ineffective and that individual metering would be fairer. They also discussed that the developer and residents have tried previously to get Taunton to act and that the developer has indicated willingness to pay for physical connections; the board expressed support for asking the Select Board to intervene on behalf of residents and the developer.

The board agreed there was no need for a formal vote and the chair said he would send the letter to the Select Board. Board members noted the change could increase water-system resiliency and water quality for LeBaron Hill residents and observed that residents indicated a willingness to absorb meter upgrade costs if required by Taunton.