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Commission denies Yowell Road rezoning after neighbors, staff cite sewer and density concerns
Summary
A rezoning to allow clustered detached units near Ashland was denied after residents and commissioners raised density, private‑sewer and road‑safety concerns; staff noted gravity sewer was infeasible and the applicant proposed grinder pumps and a shared force main.
The commission voted to deny a rezoning request that would have created 38 single‑family detached condominium units clustered within an RM zone at the edge of the town of Ashland.
Staff explained that gravity sewer extension to the site is not feasible given topography and the depth of existing sewer mains, and that the applicant proposed shared grinder‑pump systems and a private force main to reach the public system. The county and town raised concerns about reliance on private pump systems and long‑term maintenance and reliability.
Multiple adjacent landowners and residents opposed the rezoning on grounds of excessive density, clustering and incompatibility with the ‘‘suburban transitional residential’’ designation intended to provide a gradual edge to the town. Brad Stewart, who owns the farmhouse directly across the street, said clustering 38 homes in the RM portion would feel “too dense” and would preclude similar development on neighboring parcels.
Commissioners cited road geometry, collision history at nearby intersections and the development pattern as reasons to deny. One commissioner moved for denial and the motion passed on the recorded vote.
