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Resident urges Aberdeen officials to address clear‑cutting and lack of notice on new subdivision
Summary
A long‑time resident told the Aberdeen Town Board that a 75‑home subdivision being built behind her street has caused noise, debris runoff and safety issues and that she received no notice after the town’s 2021 land development ordinance moved subdivision approvals to staff.
At the Sept. 23 Aberdeen Town Board meeting a resident rose during public comment to describe what she called a sudden, disruptive development behind her dead‑end street and to urge the town to change how nearby communities are notified.
The resident, identified in the meeting transcript as a resident who confirmed the name “Mitchell” when asked, said developers are “clear cutting the forest for these new subdivisions” and that construction equipment has operated from early morning until evening, creating “massive equipment” noise and “dirt, rock, and debris runoff” that has not been cleaned up after storms. She said utility crews began digging in front yards and that the neighborhood received no advance notice.
“I urge you to make changes to include the immediate community,” the resident said, noting that Aberdeen’s 2021 land development ordinance now routes subdivision approvals to staff, which she said removes a public‑notice hearing: “It feels nefarious as if the city just didn't want to hear the concerns of us residents.”
Board members and the presiding officer responded that the board understands the concern but said state law limits some local authority over tree clearing. The presiding officer noted that the General Assembly altered local powers and that certain clear‑cutting decisions now rest with state rules rather than town control.
Commissioners discussed enforcement and construction hours. One commissioner reminded the room that the town previously adjusted allowable construction start times to prohibit work before 7 a.m.; staff agreed to check the site this week to determine whether contractors are adhering to the town’s permitted timeframes.
Residents pressed for clearer communication about project plans and for appropriate erosion controls; the town asked those concerned to leave contact information with the plan director so staff can follow up and share planning materials when a public hearing or formal notice is scheduled.
The meeting record shows the resident said the subdivision immediately behind her will have about 75 homes and pressed the board to require direct notice for developments larger than 35 homes. Board members said staff will investigate the construction entrance and drainage impacts raised in the public comment; the transcript records no formal policy change at the meeting.
The board did not take formal action on the land‑use rules during the meeting; staff follow‑up and possible planning‑board review were the next steps identified on the record.
