Killingworth planning commission approves two residential resubdivisions

The Killingworth Planning and Zoning Commission on Nov. 18 approved two residential resubdivisions, accepting application 403 (Flanigan Brook) and application 402 (Two Overlook Farms Road) after public hearings and brief commissioner discussion.

Chuck Mandel, the agent for owner Bill Mazani, presented application 403, a proposal to resubdivide an existing 14.5-acre lot to create a new 2.53-acre parcel. Mandel said wetlands approval has been obtained and the plan uses an existing driveway and wetlands crossing to minimize disturbance. "We've done soil testing with the health department," Mandel said, adding that utilities exist on site and the plan preserves the property's rural character.

Patrick Douly represented application 402 for property at Two Overlook Farms Road, saying the parcel his grandparents own measures about 5.78 acres and would be split so the existing home remains on one lot while a new lot of roughly 3.5 acres would be created for a new residence. Douly said both lots meet required buildable-acre and road-frontage standards, and that he secured an easement from the Overlook Farms Association to access the new lot from Overlook Farms Road rather than Route 80. "We signed [the easement] last night," Douly said.

Commissioners confirmed that wetlands approvals and Deep River Valley Health District approvals were on file for the proposals and asked practical questions about driveway locations, blasting avoidance and whether Overlook Farms Road is private; the commission was told the road is currently private and that a curb cut is not required if the association granted the easement.

Votes at a glance

- Acceptance of minutes (Oct. 21): motion made and seconded; approved with one recorded opposition (names not specified in the transcript). - Application 403 (Flanigan Brook; agent Chuck Mandel for owner Bill Mazani): motion to approve as submitted, seconded by Stephanie Warren; approved (one opposition recorded). - Application 402 (Two Overlook Farms Road; applicant Patrick Douly): motion to approve as presented, seconded by Lisa; motion carried and application approved.

The commission closed both public hearings and moved the subdivision applications to approval during the same meeting after verifying required approvals and easement documentation. The commission noted practical limits on Overlook Farms (the addition would make about 12 houses in the covenanted subdivision) and confirmed that the applicant had met applicable subdivision standards. No members of the public spoke in opposition to either application during the hearings. The approved application files are on record with the Killingworth Town Clerk.

The commission's next regular meeting will include further agenda items and previously scheduled discussions.