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Jericho DRB reviews sketch plan for two‑lot subdivision at 2 Railroad Circle; one lot eyed for Habitat for Humanity
Summary
At a June 24 meeting the Jericho Development Review Board reviewed a sketch plan to divide a two‑acre town‑owned parcel at 2 Railroad Circle into two lots, one planned for a Habitat for Humanity affordable home; the proposal raised frontage, access and potential sale‑condition questions that the Selectboard must resolve before the DRB can act.
The Jericho Development Review Board reviewed a sketch plan June 24 for a proposed two‑lot subdivision at 2 Railroad Circle on behalf of the Jericho Community Development Corporation. The parcel is about two acres and is currently owned by the Town of Jericho; one lot is expected to be sold to Habitat for Humanity for an affordable single‑family home, while the other lot would be available for sale to any buyer.
Joe Flynn, land survey manager for O'Leary Burke Civil Associates, told the board that wetlands on the site were delineated and confirmed last summer and that “the project will have no impact on the buffer or wetlands; thus no wetlands permit is required.” He said two wastewater systems sized for three‑bedroom homes are feasible after test pits, and that municipal water is expected to be available via an easement across Lot 1.
Zoning Administrator Chris Flinn told the board the sketch plan does not meet the district's frontage requirements as drafted. He said altering the length or legal status of a portion of Railroad Circle—a decision for the Selectboard—could change frontage calculations. Flinn also noted the plan may need a hammerhead or turnaround and space for snow storage as part of any approval conditions.
Neighbors offered mixed feedback. Philip Danielson said he supports the project. Tobias Brown suggested removing the existing house and constructing a triplex; Flynn said wastewater constraints make a triplex incompatible. Diana Necrason urged shortening the driveway to reduce impacts on adjacent properties. Jason Garbarino asked whether the town could place contingencies on any sale to Habitat for Humanity to preserve the historic character of the neighborhood and asked whether frontage or sale to an adjacent property (the Workman parcel, which is on the market) might occur. Wayne Howe told the board the town had purchased the parcel with federal funds and said the town intends to recoup those funds through sale.
Flynn said the sketch plan is intended to minimize impacts on surrounding properties and that, because of wetlands limits, the proposed layout represents the maximum feasible use. He reported that Lot 2 would be sold by Habitat for Humanity and Lot 1 would be available for sale on the open market. Flinn said there is no minimum lot size in the zoning district. He also said DRB feedback would be forwarded to the Selectboard, which will consider any road discontinuance or frontage changes before the subdivision returns to the DRB for detailed review.
Because the application was presented at sketch plan level, the DRB did not take final action. The board closed public hearings later in the meeting and moved to a deliberative session; the board did not approve the subdivision at this meeting.
