Commission initiates Hidden Meadow Estates subdivision; neighbors raise septic and wetlands concerns

The Planning & Zoning Commission accepted and initiated a public hearing May 13 for application 26‑15 (Hidden Meadow Estates), a proposal by Steven Bellis to subdivide roughly 26 acres and create 13 single‑family lots by extending Jonathan Lane to Beachree Hill Road.

Applicant presentation: Engineer Chris Powski described the extension of Jonathan Lane (approximately 1,150 feet of new roadway), minimum 40,000‑square‑foot lots, three stormwater basins (one to be converted to an underground gallery at the town engineer’s suggestion) and existing utility stubs from an earlier phase of Hidden Meadow Estates. He said the applicant is proposing about 4.54 acres of additional open space to be deeded or otherwise reserved; that open space is not required to meet the subdivision standard because a prior phase had already satisfied the base open‑space obligation.

Public concerns: Neighbors questioned the proximity of new lots to existing houses, noted a small stream and watershed in the area and asked how septic systems would perform on parcels near wetlands. Residents asked whether Aquarion Water Company and state public‑health authorities had been notified; the applicant confirmed Aquarion and DPH notifications were made and that he had preliminary approval from the health district for septic layouts.

Commission action: Commissioners accepted the application’s initiation, heard the presentation and voted to keep the public hearing open so Inland Wetlands and city‑engineer comments can be addressed and so staff can verify related filings.

Next steps: The application will return with Inland Wetlands findings, the final traffic/drainage details and any required revisions to stormwater basins or utility plans.