Neighbors oppose 29‑lot Sand Hill subdivision citing groundwater, flooding and safety; commission vote fails

The commission reopened the public hearing for item 6.4, a resubdivision to create 29 lots from three parcels (11.61 acres) in the RPZ zone. The meeting drew large public turnout: dozens of neighbors described persistent groundwater issues, surface water and spring flow, repeated driveway and basement flooding, and winter icing that impairs safe travel and emergency access. Public Works and the town engineer’s memos were cited by residents to support those concerns.

Speakers urged denial or a substantial redesign (fewer lots, greater setbacks, additional borings) and presented photographs and petitions. The applicant’s attorney argued the plans addressed comments, that basins and compensatory excavation would limit runoff and that the proposal meets zoning criteria and the POCD objective to add housing. Commissioners debated groundwater vs. rainfall analysis, maintenance obligations for stormwater systems, and whether the city’s existing drainage network must be improved before approving the subdivision. The motion to approve 6.4 (with conditions) failed on roll call (motion did not carry). The application remains unresolved.