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Neighbors press Planning Board on wells, road salt and stormwater risks at Magazine Street wetlands
Summary
Abutters and residents told the Board their wells and yards have been affected by salt and urged stricter protections and design alternatives, including clustering and deed restrictions, to reduce runoff and preserve privacy and wildlife corridors.
Multiple abutters said the subdivision would increase runoff and remove tree cover that currently protects downstream yards and habitat. Several residents said Magazine Street wells and local groundwater have already been affected by road‑salt and past contamination, and asked the Board to require municipal water rather than allowing new private wells.
Resident Denise Ricciardi told the Board that long‑term salt impacts on Magazine Street have damaged plantings and groundwater at her property, and urged the applicants to consider clustered designs or other alternatives that would avoid the most sensitive wetland crossings. Public Works Director Brian Desfosses said the town has taken steps to reduce salt use and has covered the salt/sand pile, but acknowledged that stormwater and alteration‑of‑terrain permits and careful engineer‑designed controls will be needed to manage runoff. The Board said it expects the applicant to address these technical matters in the materials returned for the Aug. 17 hearing.
