Pownal planning board requires site plan, groundwater review for proposed four-unit mobile home park

The Town of Pownal Planning Board on March 26 reviewed a sketch plan from applicant Shane Brady to place four mobile homes on a 3.3‑acre lot near Chandler Brook and acted on seven waiver requests tied to the proposal. The board approved a limited waiver for sidewalks and streetlights but denied key waivers that would have removed site-plan review and a groundwater impact study; all motions were recorded 4-0.

The applicant, Shane Brady, told the board his plan calls for four lots of roughly 12,000 square feet each with a combined septic system and road placement at the bottom of the hill to reduce traffic near neighboring properties. Brady said mobile homes would likely sit on pads and that the largest unit he expects is about 28 by 60 feet; final pad locations and engineered septic work remain to be determined.

Town Planner Tom Ursia and board members pressed Brady for engineering-level details at final review. Ursia said the site’s proximity to Chandler Brook, expected cut-and-fill operations and a shared septic system make an engineered groundwater assessment and contour mapping necessary. “Given the relationship of the southernly portion of your property to Chandler Brook it will have an impact,” Ursia said, recommending a groundwater study prior to final approval.

On the waivers the board voted as follows: it approved Waiver #1 (to omit sidewalks and streetlights in the park) after Brady argued such infrastructure “does not fit in with the town.” The board denied Waiver #2 (to accept only a building envelope in place of exact mobile‑home pad placement), concluding final plans must show pad placements sized for the largest expected unit. Waiver #3 (to waive open-space requirements) was found non‑applicable after the applicant cited Maine statute 30‑A §4358 regarding density; the board treated the open-space rule as not applicable for this sketch submission and so classified the waiver as non‑applicable. Waiver #4 (to omit legal park rules/regulations at final review) and Waiver #5 (to waive a groundwater impact study) were denied. The board found Waiver #6 (traffic impact study) not applicable at this stage, and it denied Waiver #7 (to waive site-plan review), confirming site-plan review is required before final approval.

Board Co‑Chair Todd Mellin reminded the applicant that the six‑month statutory clock for final review is running and that multiple town departments will comment on any final submission. Mellin asked Planner Ursia to prepare a detailed punch list of items required for final submittal; Ursia agreed, noting contours, engineered septic details, groundwater work and possible peer review will be part of that list.

Neighbor Russ Allen, who lives across the street from the proposed site, addressed the board during the meeting’s public-comment period and expressed concerns about steep slopes, incomplete property pinning, the site’s relation to Chandler Brook and the potential for future expansion. The board invited written comments and emphasized that a public hearing process will follow as plans are refined.

The board also reviewed Selectboard-proposed ordinance language intended to clarify single‑lot/backlot subdivision review and the role of the CEO versus the Planning Board; staff will seek attorney clarification and the Planning Board will review the changes before upcoming public hearings. The meeting adjourned at 7:38 p.m.