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Fayston DRB accepts McGann subdivision applications as complete after site visit; neighbors raise trail and driveway concerns
Summary
The Fayston Development Review Board found Applications #3927 (minor subdivision) and #3928 (conditional use for slopes >15%) complete after a site visit; the applicant updated maps and neighbors warned the project could threaten a nearby trail and raised driveway safety concerns.
The Fayston Development Review Board on April 1 accepted as complete two applications from the McGann property: Application #3927 seeking a minor subdivision of a 17-acre parcel into a 10.7-acre and a 6.9-acre lot, and Application #3928 requesting conditional-use approval for development on slopes greater than 15%.
Board member Ky Koitzsch moved to find both applications complete; Mike Quenneville seconded the motion and the board voted unanimously to move the applications forward for review. Applicant representative Gunnar McCain told the board he had "edited the map per the Board’s previous requests" and said a site visit earlier that day confirmed the proposed curb cut location would remain unchanged.
Neighbors at the meeting raised environmental and access concerns. When asked about vegetation, Gunnar acknowledged that stumps on slopes must remain but said the project team would like to "take advantage of potential solar gain," adding that "a view will come with that." Board members pressed about drainage; Jim Donkersloot asked whether a single proposed culvert would handle a wet area where a spring exists. Gunnar said he expected the culvert to "handle that whole area," but Donkersloot cautioned that "it's going to take a lot of work to do the road," and observed that an existing trail near the road "can’t survive in its current location," noting that any relocation would require the buyer’s permission.
Nearby property owner Kate Hunt said she consulted a land-use attorney who told her they had "a strong case to enforce that the trail remain on Dorothy’s land." Hunt said she and neighbors "feel passionate about the trail," but that they do not intend to initiate enforcement now and would consider routing the trail across land they control if needed. Hunt also said they had previously restricted Dorothy from using that property for short-term rentals (Airbnb). She added a separate concern about access, saying she was "concerned about the driveway" and left the question of its safety to the DRB.
After discussion and public remarks, Ky moved to close the applications' hearing; Mike seconded and the motion carried. The board closed the sketch-plan hearing and will take up deliberation and next steps in subsequent proceedings.
