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Council blocks Lakeside EDU trade pending Well 4R production study after developer installs irrigation wells
Summary
Trappe councilors criticized the Lakeside developer for installing two non‑potable irrigation wells without notifying the Town and voted 4–1 to bar trading of allocations for EDUs until Well 4R is completed and a production study is done.
Councilors expressed displeasure on Aug. 6 after learning the Lakeside developer installed two non‑potable wells intended for irrigation and requested to trade the meters for 10 EDUs to allow building permits. Attorney Ryan Showalter said the developer sought to exchange usage from two irrigation meters to obtain 10 EDUs; he told the Council the developer “has no objection to the Ordinance” but sought the allocation trade.
Council members said the developer failed to notify the Town, creating transparency and revenue concerns. James Cook, who spoke for the developer, said the developer “went through the process to obtain all the required permits and the wells are not against Town Code so they didn’t think to say anything to the Town.” Commissioner Schmidt noted each property is allocated one EDU and suggested trading for two rather than 10; President Newnam moved to prohibit trading allocations until Well 4R is complete and a production study is done. The motion passed 4–1, with Commissioner Schmidt voting no.
Why it matters: EDU allocations determine the number of building permits and are tied to water‑system capacity and town revenue. The Council’s decision delays permit issuance tied to the disputed wells until the Town has production data for Well 4R and clarity on available allocation.
