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Neighbor urges re-review of Ottawa subdivision; raises flooding, notice and conflict-of-interest concerns
Summary
A resident asked the commission to return the revised '4 and 500 Ottawa' project for public review, citing changes to lot layout, flooding risk to Lot 7, inadequate six-day notice to neighbors, missing wetland and financial-assurance records, and an alleged undisclosed attorney relationship between the developer Gary Abatheria and the Hudson Sawyer law firm that could create the appearance of conflict with Commissioner Hudson.
During the public-comment period, an unidentified resident addressed the commission about a subdivision project referred to as '4 and 500 Ottawa' and asked that the commission return the project to public review given substantial changes since its last formal review. The speaker said the proposal’s number of homes, turnaround design, wetland impacts, access layouts and regulatory conditions had changed and that neighbors had not been given adequate time or documentation to compare the original and revised plans.
The resident raised particular concern for Lot 7, which the speaker said is at risk of flooding because a seasonal stream will enter that lot. The speaker asked the commission to require a full traffic-safety study (not just counts), confirm wetland-permit status and mitigation responsibilities on the public record, verify financial assurances and tax-payment status for the properties (the speaker said taxes were unpaid for three years), and ensure proper onsite signage is posted in advance of hearings.
The speaker also alleged that developer Gary Abatheria has an attorney-client relationship with a lawyer at the Hudson Sawyer law firm and said that the firm’s representation of the developer was publicly disclosed in 2018 but not in 2024; because Commissioner Hudson serves on the planning commission, the speaker said this created at least an appearance of conflict of interest and called for transparent disclosure. Commissioner Hudson verbally denied ever representing Mr. Abatheria and said he had previously sought to be disqualified from matters concerning that individual; the chair said staff would review the submission and follow up.
Separately, Mike Varon (who identified himself during the public hearing as a nearby resident) acknowledged he was not opposed to the proposed medical office but asked staff and commissioners whether a traffic-impact study had been done and how the development might affect property values and neighborhood character; commissioners responded that the small size and business-hour operation of the facility made a full traffic study unnecessary and pointed to the 'no right turn' mitigation.
The commission did not take formal action on the Ottawa project at this meeting; staff agreed to review the public submission and follow up as appropriate.
