Athena Acres hearing centers on sight-distance, erosion controls and tree-line buffers

The Lebanon Planning Board held a public hearing on a revision to the Athena Acres subdivision on Prospect Hill Road. Planning staff explained the updates: three single-family lots (each larger than two acres), shared driveways on Lots 1 and 2, a permit-by-notification for Lot 3 wetland impacts dated May 18, and specific grading, erosion-control and retaining-wall inspection requirements.

Neighbors concentrated comments on traffic safety and sight-distance at the nearby curve. Jeff Vaughn asked whether the 250-foot sight-distance used in the plan accounts for the curve angle and urged additional signage or a blind-driveway sign; staff said a blind-driveway sign could be used and that the road commission would also review the driveway location. Residents requested preservation of a tree line to maintain privacy and to reduce headlights; the applicant and planner said proposed plantings and limits to cutting were shown on the plan and that stakes would be placed at clearing to show the approved tree line.

The board reviewed erosion-control and certification requirements for the proposed retaining wall, confirmed that the foundation location and driveway must be certified by a licensed land surveyor, and reminded the applicant that preconstruction meetings with staff would cover inspections. With those technical confirmations, the public hearing was closed; the board signaled that final permitting, road-commission input and inspection scheduling are outstanding preconditions for construction.