Arlington approves Chester Hills 30‑lot planned development with fencing and brick conditions

Arlington’s Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved Resolution 2025-51 on Jan. 5, authorizing a master development plan for Chester Hills PD, a 30‑lot residential planned development on 15.15 acres west of Chester Street.

Town Planner Jeremy Credeur presented the plan and staff recommended approval. Town Attorney Gerald Lawson recused himself from discussion. During the public hearing there were no public speakers. Alderman Jeremy Biggs raised concerns about fence options, green space and landscaping for Lots 1 and 28 that border Chester Street. Vice Mayor Harry McKee moved an amendment requiring developer‑installed wrought‑iron or decorative metal fencing in COS A and COS B adjacent to Lots 1 and 28, additional plantings per the approved Chester Street landscape plate, and language restricting homeowners from installing opaque fencing behind the developer fencing; Alderman Biggs seconded that amendment and it passed.

A second amendment from Alderman Biggs required that houses be 75% brick with 25% Hardie or an equal material, and that the developer, if feasible, design the detention basin to be dry; if a wet basin is required, the amendment requires adding a gravel access road to accommodate fire department water‑rescue equipment and provide access to a sewer easement if necessary. Alderman Barker seconded that amendment and it passed. The board then voted to approve the main motion as amended; the minutes record the final vote as unanimous.

The minutes do not record the specific developer name, construction plans, or model‑home elevations; those materials were referenced as included in the staff presentation on file at Town Hall. The vote includes conditions addressing lot border treatments, material standards for homes, and stormwater/detention‑basin access provisions.