Planning Board approves subdivision

PRESQUE ISLE, Maine – Housing options continue to grow in the Star City, following the Planning Board’s approval June 21 of a subdivision on Wallace Street.
    Tim Roix, an engineer with B.R. Smith Associates, was on hand to bring the board up to date during the public hearing for the final subdivision review for Valley View Subdivision.
“On behalf of M and B Properties, I request to move to phase two – a subdivision involving 14 lots off the McBurnie Road in Presque Isle,” said Roix.
M and B Properties is owned by Mark Woodman and Bruce Lewis.
Initially, plans for a subdivision for a total of 10 lots was completed around 1988, said Roix, noting that since that time the city had acquired Wallace Street.
Changes since that time include curved right-of-way lines to allow for more grading – a change from the prior subdivision plans. Roix said an area in the rear of the lots has also been defined as a storm water buffer to deal with runoff.
Recent soil tests have also been conducted.
“Bill Hersey, a soil scientist, has been on site completing test pits,” said Roix.
During the brief period when M and B didn’t own the property in question, top soil was removed – an issue Roix said is now being addressed.
Roix indicated M and B have been talking with city department heads to meet certain specifications.
“We’ve discussed the lengths and widths of a dead-end road and requirements of new-home construction including sprinkler systems in all new development and will include that (in new construction). That gave comfort to the fire chief,” said Roix.
About all that remains now is an issue with the Department of Environmental Protection.
“We’re seeking a storm water permit from Maine DEP. We had a pre-application meeting several weeks ago with the DEP – discussed how you treat water that comes off ditches, through the buffer area. We’ve come up with some buffer sizes,” said Roix.
After meeting with lot owners in the neighborhood, Roix said M and B has come up with covenants in answer to neighbors’ concerns.
“There were no covenants or requirements on the first plan. After meeting with lot owners, it was determined covenants would be included on the second phase of the plan. Primarily what they’re doing is defining the type of building allowed and duration once you begin construction, with the residential sprinkler system included by the covenants,” said Roix.
The only exception would be Lot 11, according to Roix.
“Lot 11 is an exception. It’s being conveyed to one of the developers’ daughters for a single wide unit not considered in the covenants,” said Roix.
Roix said at present the street would be considered a private way, although City Council could approve the adoption of the street as part of the municipality. Councilors have been considering the pros and cons of adopting subdivision roads and the impact doing so would have on the city’s budget, since adding roads and streets to the Highway Department’s maintenance schedule would increase the hours needed to properly care for such – leading to possible overtime and the need to add staff to handle the extra work. Plans are for the developers to own the road privately for about a year before offering it to the city.
“Based on what we’ve done in the past, if you approve this plan, we ask that you sign the documents, then put them in the safe. We’ll file with DEP. Once we meet the DEP specifications, we’ll return to retrive the documents and move forward with our plans,” said Roix.
Stepping forward to add comments from a neighbor’s perspective was Wallace Street resident Pete St. John.
“We’d (speaking on behalf of his neighbors) like to thank Tim and the owners of the property for taking into consideration our thoughts on the subdivision. When this came about, we talked to Tim about the covenants. (The covenants) go beyond our expectations. As far as a subdivision, we’re satisfied with it,” said St. John.
St. John did have one concern regarding adequate lighting at night.
“There are no street lights currently. Is there any consideration being given to adding street lights?” asked St. John, noting this was his concern, one he had not discussed with his neighbors.
Board Chairwoman Ellen Bemis was surprised by the request.
“I’m surprised by a request for street lights. I too thought they (neighbors) wouldn’t want (due to the rural setting),” said Bemis.
Upon reviewing the plans, the Planning Board voted unanimously to approve the subdivision, agreeing to sign off on the plans and store them in the safe until approval of the DEP application is obtained.