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Developers secure preliminary approval for Elm Street subdivision amid resident concerns over buffer, blasting and traffic
Summary
Chinburg Development’s 13‑lot Elm Street (Route 4) subdivision received updated preliminary plan acceptance after developers presented DOT approval and proposed a cross‑connection to South Berwick water; residents pressed for assurances about a reserved wooded buffer, pond drainage, blasting, and a traffic study.
Chinburg Development LLC presented an updated preliminary plan for a 13‑lot, 37.4‑acre townhouse subdivision on Elm Street (Route 4) and the North Berwick Planning Board voted to accept the updated preliminary application, 4‑0, on Jan. 8.
Developer representative Alex told the board Chinburg has secured a Maine DOT permit and met with the North Berwick Fire Department and the North Berwick Water District to discuss water access and fire safety. Alex said Chinburg will use an existing easement to connect to South Berwick water — a connection run of roughly 150 feet — and has offered an undeveloped 100‑by‑100‑foot parcel for a potential buried water tank to increase local storage. Matt LeConte, the town’s Planning Coordinator, said the water district meeting on Jan. 5 concluded the plans will not reduce water pressure.
During the public comment period neighbors raised multiple concerns. Tony Palazzetti, who identified himself as a South Berwick resident and nearby abutter, cited court documents from May 2007 showing a wooded buffer was put in place “to resolve permit and use restrictions that were being evaluated,” and asked for confirmation whether previous DEP or permit conditions had been satisfied. He also requested that any deed language for the new easement specify it is for utilities only, not road construction. Cindy Anderson, a direct abutter, asked for a natural border or fence between her backyard and proposed lots 9–11, requested construction be limited to weekdays 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. with no weekend or holiday work, and raised concerns about dust and trash during construction. She also said there is an underground propane tank and bedrock near her foundation and worried about blasting.
Alex responded that Chinburg does not intend to disturb the reserved wooded buffer and that any required blasting would be done by state‑licensed contractors with advance notice to neighbors; she also said the developer would consider planting natural trees as a barrier and could limit noisy exterior work on weekends. Alex added that the developers typically build over a roughly two‑year timeframe and that pricing is expected “not less than approximately $800,000.00 and up.”
Board members and town staff recommended obtaining more traffic data. Matt LeConte said lowering speeds on Route 4 requires Maine DOT approval and noted the DOT granted only one of two proposed entrances; he recommended a third‑party traffic study and said the Police Chief will deploy a speed trailer next week. Alex suggested developers could fund a study for the town to broaden the analysis. The board asked staff to solicit comments from neighboring towns and to forward any additional materials to the developers and board members.
Mark Reed moved to accept the updated preliminary plan application; Mark Cahoon seconded and the board voted 4‑0. The board did not take a final vote on the subdivision; additional materials, a traffic study and planner findings may be requested before final approval.
