Planning board: Sunnyside site-review complete; road upgrade for Timothy Lane cannot be waived, applicant will add note

Planning staff told the Green Planning Board on June 16 that Sunnyside Properties has supplied the requested soil and septic reports and a phosphorus study, which will be added to the project binder. Staff also reported a planner’s opinion that the board cannot waive the ordinance requirement to upgrade Timothy Lane unless the ordinance language specifically allows it.

Staff said the road sits in a 50-foot easement with variable travel widths and utility poles positioned close to the traveled way; measured travel widths ranged from about 12 to 18 feet. The planner and staff recommended the travel width could be widened to about 20 feet on the right side of the road without relocating utilities; they also noted drainage improvements and two driveway culverts that may need extension.

Neighbors and board members discussed locating a hammerhead turnaround within a roughly 150-foot gap between lots 4 and 5 to improve emergency access and avoid moving stone walls and significant trees. The applicant agreed to work with neighbors and inspection staff and to add a plan note stating the road must be upgraded before any building permits are issued for the affected lots.

The board did not grant a waiver to the road standard. Staff recommended the applicant return with any revised plan notes and proposed construction details; the board also discussed scheduling a site walk and the possibility of resolving minor tree and catch-basin concerns in the field.