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Concept plan for two‑lot Stafford Street subdivision reviewed; board signals waivers likely
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Summary
Applicants presented a conceptual two‑lot subdivision (98 acres split) with requests for reduced frontage (50 ft) and a smaller cul‑de‑sac radius. The board treated it as a preliminary application, identified required waivers and conservation/stormwater reviews, and asked applicants to formalize plans and return for a hearing.
Property owners presented a conceptual subdivision on April 15 proposing to split a 98‑acre parcel into two lots (approximately 52 and 46 acres) served by an existing, unaccepted portion of Stafford Street and an existing cart/woods road. The applicants requested reduced frontage (50 feet) and a reduced cul‑de‑sac radius to accommodate two new house lots while avoiding wetlands in the property’s interior.
The presenters said the plan relies on an existing cart road for primary access (about 1,000 feet to the build area) and would upgrade an existing crossing with a culvert rather than create a new wetland crossing. The board noted the road currently functions as private/unaccepted pavement used by neighbors and the fire department; members discussed whether the town would accept the road in the future or whether the road would remain private, and what waivers might be required.
Planning staff and the board outlined the likely procedural steps under the Subdivision Control Law: a formal application, a public hearing, engineering and peer review, conservation commission coordination for any wetland work, and potential waivers from subdivision requirements. The town’s peer reviewer and staff identified likely questions about drainage, road surfacing and whether the town would accept the roadway.
No formal decision was made; the board treated the meeting as a preliminary concept review and advised the applicants to pursue required studies, seek waivers as appropriate, and return with finalized plans for a formal application. The board noted that the project has been discussed informally for years and emphasized the need for current engineering and drainage analyses before any approval.
Quotes: "This is a preliminary meeting," the planning director said, urging applicants to bring final materials and peer‑review responses in a future session.
What’s next: Applicants will refine plans, prepare required stormwater/drainage and conservation documentation, and return to the planning board with a formal application and waiver requests. The board reiterated its preference to work through the process following subdivision regulations and to coordinate with the fire inspector and town engineers.
