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Conservation commission flags Nord Haven subdivision plans, seeks formal review process
Summary
Commission members raised concerns that a Nord Haven proposal to expand to 28 dwelling units relies on open-space cluster rules that may undermine natural-resource protections and encouraged the commission to draft specific review language for the planning board.
Commissioners reviewed a planning-board proposal for the Nord Haven area that would increase a project from approximately 10 to 28 dwelling units and expressed concern about how open-space and cluster zoning incentives are being applied.
Members said the current plan appears to create multiple driveways, separate septic systems and development patterns that resemble conventional subdivision rather than a compact clustered design that protects open space. They warned this pattern could lead to wetland filling and loss of significant habitat unless the town’s review process better captures current natural-resource conditions.
Commission suggestions: the group recommended drafting a set of specific review criteria and suggested the conservation commission be asked to perform a formal plan review. Members highlighted that the town’s ordinance still references an older 2006 habitat map and recommended transitioning to an evidence-based, demonstrable standard for identifying significant habitat.
Next steps: commissioners asked staff to place Nord Haven and subdivision ordinance review on a future meeting agenda and suggested forming a small working group to draft recommended language or review steps to submit to Jeremy and the planning board.
