Developer’s sketch plan for 170-home Hamlin subdivision would trigger environmental review

DeMarco Hamlin LLC presented a residential sketch plan for properties at 1301 and 1491 Lake Road West Fork that would cluster roughly 170 single-family homes on approximately 128.5 acres. Planning staff told the board the proposal would change typical lot dimensions under current zoning and, as drawn, would constitute a Type I action that requires an environmental impact review.

Planning staff said the developer proposed moving from the standard lot configuration toward a clustered layout to preserve open space, adjusting lot dimensions from the usual 100-by-70-foot standard to another configuration that would leave many lots deeper than typical. “It was a very nice presentation; the presenter did a very good job and members had many questions,” planning staff said. The planner added that, as of the most recent planning-board review, the project was unlikely to proceed immediately and would return for further study and possible public hearings.

The sketch plan was described as preliminary: no formal approvals were requested and the planning board did not take a final vote. Planning staff emphasized that because the proposal is a Type I action it would require preparation of an environmental review that examines potential impacts including traffic, stormwater, habitat and other resource issues before any approvals could be made.

Board members asked questions about the clustering approach, lot depths, and the project’s potential impacts. Planning staff noted required engineering reviews and other conditions that would need to be satisfied before the plan could advance to subsequent hearings. No formal schedule was set; planning staff said they would update the board after the next planning-board meeting.

What’s next: The developer will proceed through the planning-board process; because the proposal is likely a Type I action it will be subject to environmental review and public hearings before any decision is made.