Brookside subdivision wins 10% density bonus; board asks for public-access trail and sidewalk maintenance plan
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Summary
The Planning Board approved a 10% density bonus for the Brookside subdivision after the developer added an open-space trail and a public-access easement to the cemetery; the board asked for clarification on who will maintain pavement and sidewalks (town vs. HOA).
The Wells Planning Board voted unanimously Jan. 27 to grant a 10% density bonus to the Brookside subdivision after the developer added public-access features to the plans.
Developer Jason Levon and engineer Greg Burgess told the board they added a 5-foot-wide trail through the open-space strip to keep pedestrians off Meeting House Road and recorded an easement to ensure public access to a nearby cemetery. Staff said the trail note and easement had been added to the plan and that the open-space strip will be clarified on the final submission.
Board members and public speakers debated who should maintain any paved trail or sidewalk. One board member said a gravel path will deteriorate quickly and suggested pavement or a town-maintenance agreement; another noted the town typically does not plow isolated sidewalks in rural areas and suggested the homeowners' association might be responsible. "It would serve the general public, not just the people [in the subdivision]," an attendee said while urging a durable surface.
After staff confirmed the applicant had supplied the requested trail and sidewalk information, a board member moved to approve the 10% bonus; the motion carried unanimously. The board directed the developer to finalize sidewalk specifications and to work with public works and the town clerk to clarify long-term maintenance responsibilities at final.
