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Neighbor drainage concerns lead Harrison ZBA to condition pavilion approval on engineering sign-off
Summary
Architects and a neighbor sparred briefly over stormwater capacity for a proposed pool pavilion at 1 Glen Drive; the board approved the pavilion but required engineering department clearance before permits are issued.
Architect Tom Haines told the zoning board the proposed 436-square-foot pavilion at 1 Glen Drive cannot be sited elsewhere on the lot without creating other impacts and that site plans include stormwater calculations and proposed chambers. Neighbor Tom DeBorsy said he did not oppose the pavilion itself but warned the dry-well capacity installed for the pool was minimal and that an additional impervious roof could worsen drainage onto his property.
"I don't oppose the pavilion, but my concern is this drainage and flooding," DeBorsy said, asking the board to require engineering review before any permit is issued.
Haines replied that the submission includes drainage calculations and that the design proposes Coltec Recharger 330 XL stormwater chambers adjacent to existing chambers. The architect and applicant said their drainage calculations exceed the town engineer's minimums and that any required modifications would be addressed during engineering review.
Chair told the board that, before issuance of any formal permit, "those issues in terms of engineering stormwater would be explored by the town engineer." The board voted to approve the pavilion application but explicitly conditioned final permit issuance on the engineering department's sign-off and any additional measures the engineer requires.
Why it matters
Neighbor concerns about drainage and stormwater capacity can delay or condition residential projects. The engineering review requirement means the pavilion may proceed only after technical confirmation — or modification — of on-site drainage measures.
Details to watch
- Proposal: 436-square-foot pool pavilion adjacent to an existing pool; applicant asked for a 10-foot reduction from a 75-foot setback to 65 feet. - Stormwater approach: applicant listed Coltec Recharger 330 XL chambers on plans and included drainage (drywell) calculations in the submission. - Board action: approval contingent on town engineering department review and final permitting.
Next steps
Engineering department review is required before a building permit is issued; the applicant may need to supply additional calculations or stormwater measures if the engineering review identifies capacity issues.
