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Residents urge action on Beckley Farms/Estates of Berlin retention pond; commission points to developer obligations
Summary
Residents at Beckley Farms/Estates of Berlin told the commission the retention pond is perpetually full, emits odors, has steep banks and presents mosquito and safety risks; staff said the pond was approved as part of the development plan, the developer remains responsible until project completion, and hazardous trees can be addressed with staff approval.
Residents from the Beckley Farms/Estates of Berlin development raised health and safety concerns about a retention pond and debris in a conservation/wetland area during the commission’s other-business segment.
Mona Grama identified herself as a resident and described steep pond banks, persistent standing water that “stinks,” and the presence of dead or hanging trees that could fall on homes. She said the community is a 55-and-older development and expressed concern about mosquitoes and the potential for West Nile or Eastern Equine encephalitis. Residents also said seedings and vegetation establishment had not occurred as expected and reported erosion and standing water behind Building 1.
Staff and counsel explained the pond was part of the approved stormwater design reviewed by planning and zoning; the developer remains responsible to complete grading, establish vegetation and remove temporary sediment. Town staff noted planning and zoning performance bonds cover required improvements and that hazardous trees posing imminent danger may be addressed with staff approval. Counsel suggested homeowners could petition to manage maintenance of a conservation easement by hiring an environmental professional and submitting a maintenance plan to the town, if the HOA desires that role.
Commissioners expressed sympathy but said much of the corrective action is tied to completion of the developer’s work and bond enforcement; they encouraged residents to coordinate with the association and town staff to document hazards for timely corrective action.
