White & Burke pre-development agreement discussed amid resident opposition

At its Nov. 18 meeting the Dorset Select Board reviewed a pre-development agreement template for the White & Burke / SM Graves proposal and heard objections from nearby residents.

Brian Pine of White & Burke told the board the template is based on samples used in other communities and that an outside timeframe is important so the project "doesn't flounder," while board members probed what Pine described as a deliberately high-level document at this stage. The pre-development agreement will include phasing plans and adjustments for pre-development costs and a negotiated cost-share between the town and the developers.

Two residents spoke during public comment opposing further housing in Dorset: Michael Flett (316 Church Street) said he and his family, who have owned property in town for nearly 20 years, "disagree with more people moving to Dorset," and Craign McDonough also voiced opposition. Town staff said they will continue meetings with White & Burke to review the agreement, plan due diligence tasks and prepare a public input process before any binding decisions are made.