Commission tables Bayberry Lane lots after questions about 80‑ft wetland crossing and long septic runs

Artel Engineering representatives presented two adjacent Bayberry Lane lots that would be developed with single‑family homes. For Lot 1 (Parcel 1, ~3.2 acres, address Lake Avenue) the applicant proposed a driveway that would cross about 1,300–1,337 square feet of wetland in an approximately 80‑foot span. The engineer described a proposed crossing that would rely on three 24‑inch culverts placed beneath a raised driveway.

Commissioners expressed concern that such a significant wetland crossing could set a pattern for future alterations to wetlands and asked whether alternate access (for example, via Butternut Lane) had been considered; the applicant said Butternut Lane was not a viable access because it is a paper road. One commissioner noted the risk of establishing a precedent and asked staff for additional detail about stakes, culvert sizing and the crossing design.

For Lot 2 (about 1.6 acres), the applicant reported encountering ledge and limited soils for conventional leaching; the proposed layout would place the septic tanks and pump chambers near the house with long pressurized leach runs. Commissioners requested a homeowner maintenance package for the pumped system and asked the applicant to evaluate alternate layouts to increase separation distances from wetlands.

Staff asked that driveway and home site stakes be placed in the field (every 50–100 feet and at corners) before the next hearing so the commission can walk and verify alignment. After these requests and contingent reports to the health department, motions to table both applications were made and carried by voice vote.

Both items remain tabled pending the requested reports, stake placement and health‑department documentation.