Town of Hinesburg

Development Review Board Minutes

October 5, 2010

Approved October 19, 2010

Members Present: Tom McGlenn, (Tom M), George Munson, (George M), Zoë Wainer (Zoë W), Dick Jordan (Dick J), Dennis Place (Dennis P),

Greg Waples(Greg W), Ted Bloomhardt (Ted B)

Members Absent: None

Also Present: Alex Weinhagen (Planning/Zoning Director), Peter Erb (Zoning Administrator), Mary Seemann (Recording Secretary), Gary Mawe, Jan Bedard, David Lyman, Matthew Probasco, Doug Crowell, Bob Stahl, Lenore Budd

Tom M called the meeting to order at 7:30pm.

Dick Jordan stated he was not at the last meeting but did watch the video from VCAM so he would be up to date with this application.

George Bedard: Sketch Plan 8-lot subdivision on Texas Hill. #06-01-63.100

Members: Tom M, George M, Zoë W, Dick J, Dennis P, Greg W, Ted B.

George B said he using the information and suggestions the Board discussed at the last meeting and he is presenting a new layout for the 8 lots. He gave a brief narrative as to what he had changed from the last presentation. He acknowledge the road has a soft spot and showed where it is located. George said this will have to be dealt with and said the new road into the properties will be maintained by the association created by the homeowners. He showed a new road cut for the entry that would meet up with Bishop Road and make that a 4-way intersection.

Some neighbors who were at the meeting expressed their concern for the visibility drivers coming from the west would have, saying the way it is now is it is hard to see when approaching the intersection. George B said there were trees along side the road that would have to be removed to help with sight and clearance on the road. Other suggestions where the road cut might be were discussed.

Lot Acreage was discussed, as was water and the possible lack of it for the new lots.

Some neighbors voiced concern about adding new homes on the hill stating their concern that this new draw on water will affect the water supply to their wells.

At the last meeting some neighbors who attended stated there was no longer any large wildlife left in the town forest due to mountain bikers. Neighbors who reside next to the proposed subdivision stated that large wildlife is still abundant in the forest, they see them almost everyday.

Tom M asked if there was anyone from different committees who had any questions.

Lenore Budd from the Trails Committee asked if a trail could be accommodated in the 75’ buffer George was showing. She said she would be interested in looking into that. George said it could possibly work.

Gary Mawe said he has no opposition to the development but he stated some concerns he did have. 1) Water. Would the abutting landowners have any recourse if this development affects their water supply? 2) Concern about the water runoff from the proposed lots #1 and #2, stating during mud season that area could sink a car, and 3) Stated the stretch of road where the intersection is proposed is bad. He also said he would like to see minimal tree cutting.

Doug Crowell said he spends a lot of time in the forest and stated there is a lot of wildlife roaming around. He talked about a UVM study showing the wildlife in the area. He said the study showed the width of the wildlife corridor is in debate; some say 50’ would be adequate and some say it has to be 100’ feet. He stated he was worried about keeping the rural character of the neighborhood. Doug asked what the process for answering questions from the public and how the answers are given back. He then asked what his recourse would be if building this new development made his well run dry.

Matthew Probasco said he had already sent two letters to the Board regarding this application. He said he is not opposed to the development but would like to see the new homes mesh in with the older established homes. He also expressed his concern of making Bishop Road a 4-way intersection.

Bob Stahl said he has two wells on his property as the previous owner had one go dry so they had to drill a second. He agreed with his neighbors that wildlife is abundant in the forest.

Tom M and George B agreed that a site visit should be made for all the Board members who have not seen the site. Tom M stated to all present the public was also invited to go on the visit. After some discussion and schedules checked it was decided that Thursday October 7th at 5pm would be the best time. Meeting at the site.

Tom M moved to keep the public hearing open and continue this application at the October 19th meeting. A vote was taken and all agreed.

Other Business:

Minutes from Sept 21st. After some corrections Zoë Wainer moved to accept the minutes as amended. Ted Bloomhardt seconded. A vote was taken. 7-0 - THE MOTION PASSED.

Next scheduled meeting: October 19th

Respectfully Submitted,

Mary Seemann

Recording Secretary