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Richmond commissioners weigh easement at 205 Jericho Road, favoring water-only approach to avoid precedent
Summary
Commissioners reviewed cost estimates tied to an easement request at 205 Jericho Road for the Tilden A Bridge/Cochran Road waterline project, favored covering water-related curb stops but resisted funding sewer work to avoid establishing a precedent; staff will contact the landowner and prepare a counter offer.
Commissioners on the Richmond Water & Sewer Commission spent significant time Nov. 3 considering an easement request from the owner of 205 Jericho Road tied to the town’s Tilden A Bridge and Cochran Road waterline replacement project.
Staff presented cost estimates prepared by project engineers showing an estimated $13,000 to meet the owner’s full request (water plus sewer components) versus roughly $5,500 to provide only water-related work in the right-of-way. Commissioners repeatedly raised concern that accepting sewer upgrades in exchange for easements could create a ‘‘slippery slope’’ and obligate the town to similar requests from other property owners.
Several commissioners said they would be open to pursuing a water-only solution—providing a town-owned curb stop or sizing a corporate line to accommodate future connections—if the owner is willing to discuss water-only terms. Staff was asked to contact the property owner, ask for the specific connection sizes they want, cost the water-only option, and return a counter proposal at the next meeting.
Project engineer Tyler Billingsley was cited by staff as having reviewed the estimates. Commissioners asked for a clear public letter to neighbors explaining per-curb-stop cost estimates and that final prices will depend on bids; staff recommended a response deadline (mid-December) for owners interested in adding curb stops so the project can proceed to bid.
No formal easement agreement was adopted; the commission agreed to continue negotiations and to delegate initial outreach and informal discussions to Josh and Bard.
The discussion also noted that if the owner declines a water-only approach the town would keep the water main in the public right-of-way and proceed with construction options that avoid private easements, at higher cost to the town.
