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Town to hold public hearing after engineers say Snow's Mountain sewer work would require many easements and raise costs
Summary
Staff told the board that adding closed drainage, sewer and water on Snow's Mountain Road pushes utilities beyond the right-of-way, requiring easements from roughly 36 residents or a taking and raising original cost estimates; the town will prepare a public presentation and hearing to present updated costs and options.
Town staff told the Select Board Aug. 5 that mapping for Snow's Mountain Road showed the combined closed-drainage, sewer and water design would extend utility disturbance beyond the town right-of-way; as a result, officials said the project would likely require easements from about 36 property owners or a property taking, and the utility relocation costs could be in the millions.
The town manager said the original project estimate of roughly $2 million (for certain work elements) appears to be a significant undercount when closed drainage and other utilities are included; staff will prepare a public presentation to explain the area-of-influence findings, revised cost scenarios and what easement or acquisition steps could be required. The manager said he will coordinate a call with utility companies and consultants to develop a detailed presentation for a future public hearing.
The board discussed alternatives such as hybrid open/closed drainage, targeted waterline extension and funding approaches for property owners who would otherwise bear system-connection costs. Staff emphasized the need for broad community information before any decision or warrant article is advanced to town meeting.
