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Springs owners propose new cottage, pool and septic upgrade near wetlands; planners recommend scenic easement
Summary
Owners of 450 Oldstone Highway seek permission to replace a cottage, add a pool, covered porches and upgrade an antiquated septic system; planning staff recommended a 50‑foot scenic easement/buffer and revegetation to protect wetlands. The ZBA closed the hearing and will consider the application on the record.
Owners of 450 Oldstone Highway in Springs told the Zoning Board of Appeals on Feb. 3 they want to modernize a property by replacing an existing cottage, building a pool and patio, and installing an upgraded sanitary system to replace aging cesspools.
Bridal Vistrian, representing the owners, said the cottage will be replaced with a 680‑square‑foot structure and that the project includes revegetation and an upgraded septic system, which she described as a substantial environmental improvement over the existing brick cesspools. “The project includes revegetation, drainage control and an upgraded sanitary system,” she said, noting the upgrades address systems that may be 50–70 years old.
Planning Department staff member Tyler Borsak told the board the parcel sits within interconnected wetlands and that, although much of the proposed work is minor, the most significant element is the new cottage and relocation of two existing sheds with some regrading within wetlands jurisdiction. Borsak recommended mitigation including a 50‑foot scenic easement around the wetland and a revegetation plan to offset the proposed clearing. He also confirmed the proposed pool and patio meet required property line setbacks but that the pool fence would require an 11‑foot variance because it is shown at 89 feet from the wetland where 100 feet is required.
The applicant accepted the recommendation to place a scenic easement around the wetlands and said the project’s total building coverage will remain well below the maximum allowed on the parcel. Board members asked for a revegetation plan and for confirmation that the upgraded sanitary system will serve both the cottage and main house; the applicant confirmed the new system is designed to serve both structures and that the pool will be beyond the 100‑foot wetland setback except for the fence, which requires variance relief.
The board closed the public hearing and record. Next steps: the record will be reviewed and the board will issue a determination based on the application materials, the planning department’s recommendations, and any conditions the board may impose (for example, a recorded scenic easement and a revegetation plan).
