Board raises wastewater capacity concerns for potential redevelopment at 67 Main Street

Select Board members returned repeatedly to wastewater and septic capacity as a constraint on possible redevelopment of 67 Main Street (the South London Post Office). During discussion of a municipal letter of support for a Village Trust Initiative application, one board member warned that the property is listed on the town website as "30 gallons of septic per day," and said that limitation would sharply restrict uses such as adding upstairs apartments.

"The building is designated on the website under the waste water thing for 30 gallons of septic per day," the Committee member said, raising a technical limit that would need resolution before permits for higher occupancy could be issued. Board members noted the lot lacks space for a septic field and that the property currently uses a tank that must be emptied regularly. The Chair and others said those technical and permitting issues would be addressed if the applicants proceed with a grant application and that state permits would be required for larger wastewater capacity.

Board discussion focused on practical steps rather than policy change: members agreed municipal support for a grant application does not itself increase wastewater capacity. One member summarized the position: applicants must demonstrate capacity and obtain required permits before converting or permitting new units. No engineering study or permit application was approved at the meeting; members noted the applicants claim to have some drawings and engineering work but said that paperwork appeared incomplete.

The board instructed that technical constraints be dealt with during application and permitting reviews rather than as part of the endorsement vote.