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Uxbridge retreat-lot application paused after notice errors and neighbor access concerns
Summary
A multi-lot ANR/special-permit request to make retreat lots buildable was met with resident concerns about Larkin access, drainage, blasting and an incorrect public notice; the applicant withdrew 128 Henry Street without prejudice and the board ordered re-advertising and further review.
A special-permit application to convert several retreat lots to buildable parcels prompted extended public comment on July 9 as neighbors raised drainage, blasting, septic and driveway-access concerns and staff discovered errors in the certified public hearing notices.
Applicant representative Sean explained that the current filing would remove the "non-buildable" designation on four retreat lots so ANR plans could be recorded. Board members noted retreat-lot criteria — 30-foot frontage and at least double the district lot size — appeared satisfied for three parcels, but one lot off Larkin raised access concerns because of steep grades and the presence of an existing private driveway and house near the public way.
Multiple neighbors from Larkin and Blackstone described recurring drainage issues at the bottom of the hill, the presence of ledge that could require blasting and the risks of increased runoff toward their homes. One resident said, "I'm concerned that there could be changes in the way the water flows down the hill towards my house," and asked how blasting and construction disturbance would be monitored.
Separately, residents and board members flagged a procedural problem: one public notice listed the wrong parcel number. The board reviewed abutter lists and acknowledged notices must exactly match parcel numbers and certified mailings. Because of the notice confusion and continuing neighbor concerns about access on Larkin, the applicant agreed to withdraw the 128 Henry Street portion of the application "without prejudice"; the board voted to accept that withdrawal. Planning staff and the applicant will re-advertise corrected notices, refine any proposed easement language for Larkin access, and bring the matter back after abutter notification is complete.
Board members told residents that final building siting, septic approvals and potential conservation/stormwater permits will be addressed in later permitting stages and that the retreat-lot approvals do not themselves establish final house locations.
