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Public hearing: Commissioners approve amendment to expand Riddle Farm water and sewer planning area
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Summary
After a staff presentation and testimony from property owners' representative Hugh Cropper, the commission unanimously approved an amendment to the water and sewer plan to designate several commercial parcels in the Riddle Farm area eligible for future public service when capacity becomes available.
The Worcester County Commissioners unanimously approved an amendment on April 7 to expand the Riddle Farm water and sewer planning area to include several commercial parcels along Route 50.
County staff presented the application and staff report, explaining the proposed changes would revise planning-area maps to include specified parcels (tax map 26: parcels 133, 136, 137, 383, 471 and 256) so the properties would be eligible for eventual connection to public water and sewer when capacity becomes available. Staff noted the Bridal Farm Wastewater Treatment Plant does not have capacity at this time; applicants stated they understand capacity is not currently available and that the amendment does not guarantee service or purchase of EDU (equivalent dwelling units).
Hugh Cropper, who identified himself for the record as representing multiple property owners, testified that the amendment aligns zoning and comprehensive-plan designations with the water and sewer plan and would remove long-term reliance on well and septic systems. He said the total area in staff materials was listed as 27 acres, but suggested the usable acreage may be smaller due to ponds and surveyed boundaries.
Commissioners asked clarifying questions about service-area boundaries and the planning process. The planning commission had previously found the amendment consistent with the comprehensive plan. With no other speakers at the hearing, the board moved, seconded and approved the amendment unanimously, and staff's report was entered into the record.
Staff and applicants emphasized that approval makes the properties eligible for future service but does not commit capacity or immediate connection; necessary infrastructure and funding would require future actions and construction by applicants and county acceptance of turned-over assets.
