Plans for the proposed 33-unit Cedarcroft Farms development off of Route 302 were on display at the Bartlett Planning Board public hearing on Monday evening. (Photo by Daymond Steer, Conway Daily Sun)
The Bartlett Planning Board on Monday concluded its public hearing into the proposed Cedarcroft Farms development off Route 302, but planning board members say it could take years before ground is broken.
The public hearing was started on July 1 and continued to Monday.
Andrew Fisher of Ammonoosuc Survey made a brief presentation and answered questions from the board and the public. About 15 people attended the meeting and about half a dozen asked questions or made comments.
The plan is to build 33 housing units, including two duplexes. The project would be built between the Sunrise Shack restaurant and EG Chandler Property Maintenance.
There would only be one access to the property, which would be just north of EG Chandler Property Maintenance on Route 16.
At the July 1 planning board meeting, residents expressed concern about the project having one entrance/exit and the impact it would have on traffic.
On Monday, planning board member David Shedd asked if the state will want a passing lane.
Fisher replied that DOT in an October email said the access would likely be approved so long as DOT gets all the required information during the permitting process.
That information would include analysis on drainage and possibly a traffic study to see if a passing lane is necessary.
“That was essentially our green light from the DOT, that, yes, this is a viable entrance,” said Fisher. “And so as of July 17, we have provided to the DOT construction, drawing, site plan, drainage study, essentially everything that was requested by the DOT, as indicated in the letter of last October.”
In response to a question from planning board member David Patch, Fisher said the DOT would decide if the project would require passing lanes.
However, selectmen’s representative to the planning board Vicki Garland said the planning board could also require it.
“If the state doesn’t do a traffic survey, this board may make it a condition of approval, and the cost of that is the developer’s responsibility,” said Garland.
Resident Julia King asked DOT to take a look at the one access/exit and a couple days later she noticed traffic counters in the area but they were only out for three days and not during peak Story Land times.
King also remembers the town of Conway holding developers to having to build the Village at Kearsage with two ways in and two ways out.
“I thought, ‘wow, they kind of got that right,’” said King. “I’m very concerned about the curve and about just traffic going in and coming out all day long.”
King asked how long it could take to get the project off the ground.
“Quite honestly, your guess is because I have no idea,” said Fisher. “We can’t, we can’t put a shovel on the ground until this gets approved… It’s not happening tomorrow.”
Patch said the alteration of terrain permit alone could take two years.
Greg Vander Veer who owns the Christmas Loft, said he owns a warehouse facility about 50 yards away. Right now the warehouse facility doesn’t have neighbors but he asked what would happen if residents of Cedarcroft complain about the warehouse and the trucks that go to and from it.
“You’re grandfathered,” said Patch. “You were there first.”
Vander Veer said he wouldn’t want to pay the price for a luxury home and live next to a warehouse.
Fisher said the homeowners should be aware that they are buying a home near in commercial area and that prices aren’t set.
Vander Veer got laughs from attendees when he suggested if the houses were priced for working people then he could have some more people to hire.
Resident Peter Gagne said the access doesn’t work because it’s technically on a different lot (same owner) and there are setback requirements.
Shedd said that issue could be addressed with a lot consolidation.
One of the requirements that will take “some time” said Fisher is getting an alteration of terrain permit from the State of New Hampshire. Among other things, this permit would ensure that stormwater run off from the development won’t impact another property.
The road through the development will be built to town specifications and the state would also have to approve work to be done in two wetlands.
Chair Scott Grant said various permits have to be given before the planning board can make final approval. There would also have to be building permits for every single structure.
Grant said he misspoke last month when he said the town could overturn the state regarding the development’s proposed road access. What he meant was the town could deny approval of the road if it didn’t meet town specs.
Planning board member Kevin Bennett said an old house on Route 16 would need to be razed and that house was built with asbestos and he wants to make sure it’s abated.
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