Planning board hears conceptual Simons Hill plan; members flag wetlands, Native American resources and wastewater questions
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Summary
Members reviewed a new conceptual plan for Simons Hill that reduces unit count from previous concepts but raises concerns about vernal pools, wetlands, Native American resource locations (kept confidential by tribal representatives), water supply options and a proposed 52,000‑gallon‑per‑day wastewater treatment component.
The Town of Lakeville Planning Board received an informational update on a conceptual plan for the Simons Hill project on May 22 and discussed environmental, cultural and infrastructure concerns raised in the conceptual submission.
Board members said the newest concept shows 76 single‑family homes compared with earlier higher‑density proposals (previous iterations cited duplexes and multifamily components). Members and attendees discussed significant wetlands and vernal pools around the property, concerns about disturbance footprints, and the presence of Native American cultural resources. Planning board members noted representatives of the Narragansett tribe and others had participated in prior meetings and that tribal sources requested that exact locations of cultural sites not be publicly disclosed to prevent disturbance.
Infrastructure issues were also raised: the plan discusses on‑site wastewater treatment with a cited capacity figure of about 52,000 gallons per day and potential reliance on wells if municipal water connections are not available. Board members noted that wastewater treatment sizing and water supply approach would materially affect the project’s environmental footprint and school/demographic impacts. The board did not take action; members were advised that hearings before the Zoning Board of Appeals are underway and that the project remains conceptual pending formal submissions.