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Conceptual five-lot subdivision on Route 4 and Center Road reviewed; wetlands, shared driveways and a long-standing right-of-way flagged
Summary
Surveyor Timothy Bernier presented a conceptual five-lot subdivision on Tax Map 238, Lot 55; the board discussed shared-driveway design driven by wetlands, an undocumented right-of-way to Lot 58 that may be a legal issue, and fire-protection options including sprinklers versus cisterns.
Surveyor Timothy Bernier presented a conceptual plan for a five-lot subdivision on Route 4 and Center Road at the Salisbury Planning Board’s May 18 meeting, describing two new lots fronting Route 4 with a shared driveway and three lots fronting Center Road that would share a second driveway because of wetlands. Bernier said the "large number of wetlands made single lot driveways difficult."
Why it matters: The configuration affects lot buildability, access and emergency-service planning. Board members asked about house placement, right-of-way documentation and fire-protection requirements, all of which must be resolved before the project advances beyond conceptual review.
Bernier noted that proposed lot 55-3 contains an old foundation and a dug well and that the buildable areas for lots 55-3 and 55-4 are toward the rear. Member Joe Schmidl asked specifically where on the remainder lot the building would be sited; Bernier pointed to a relatively flat area adjacent to a stone wall near the proposed driveway.
The board raised multiple concerns about shared driveways, which Bernier said were driven by wetlands on the property, and asked why the developer proposed five lots; Bernier said zoning and required road frontage drove the lot count. Town Administrator April Rollins asked whether the right-of-way to lot 58 had been included in deeds; Bernier said the right-of-way had not been included in deeds "for hundreds of years" and that the matter is now a legal issue. Rollins displayed the town tax map to show the right-of-way is documented on the lot.
Cardinal infrastructure questions remain: Schmidl reminded the board that a major subdivision will require fire protection, and noted the town’s recent practice of the Fire Chief suggesting sprinklers over cisterns or ponds. Bernier acknowledged a handmade pond on the property but said its origin and date are unknown and that he will consult with the Fire Chief about appropriate fire-protection measures. No vote or formal decision was taken; the review was conceptual and next steps include resolving right-of-way documentation and confirming fire-protection requirements.
