Neighbors press water, traffic and long‑term costs as ZBA opens 373 Main Street 40B; hearing continued for traffic review

The Norfolk Zoning Board of Appeals opened a public hearing on June 17 for a MassHousing‑eligible comprehensive permit (M.G.L. c. 40B) proposed by 373 Main Street Development LLC for a development called the Residence at Pond Meadow. The project team said the proposal encompasses roughly 12 acres and about 84 units in two‑ and three‑bedroom configurations, with 25% affordable set aside under 40B rules.

Paul Cussen of Delphic Associates, the project’s consultant, explained the 40B process and said the team expects to submit a completed stormwater management plan and supporting calculations by about July 15 for peer review. He identified the applicant and on‑site design team: Mark U. Android (applicant), Eric Shoemaker (civil engineer), a traffic consultant and a hydrogeologist to study wells and drawdown.

The presentation and extensive public comment focused on three technical and community issues: potable water supply, wastewater/fire protection, and traffic and egress. Residents and some board members asked whether the proposal’s approach (32 wells for 32 lots) could deplete local groundwater or impair neighboring private wells; they urged the developer to pursue municipal water connection options with nearby Franklin. The developer said municipal tie‑in discussions are ongoing but not yet firm and noted alternate approaches (cisterns, community wells and backup generators) are being evaluated for fire protection.

On wastewater and long‑term maintenance, attendees and board members questioned the viability of a community sewer/treatment system, long‑term operating costs and who would bear those expenses. The applicant said detailed wastewater design (including any required operator and ongoing maintenance costs) will be developed during subsequent engineering submittals and peer review.

Traffic and safety were recurring concerns. Neighbors cited a narrow stretch of Main Street with limited sight distance and existing congestion during peak periods; the project team said an emergency access easement exists but proposed it as emergency egress and agreed to coordinate with the fire and police departments. The applicant agreed to have its traffic consultant present at the next meeting and to coordinate the consultant’s review with the town’s peer reviewer.

The ZBA continued the hearing to July 15 at 7:15 p.m., directing the applicant to focus the next session on traffic and to provide interim updates on stormwater/stormwater peer review and groundwater testing. Board members and residents stressed the need for hydrogeologic drawdown studies, stormwater detail and clear evidence that potable water and fire protection strategies will meet town and state standards before approvals proceed.

The developer also answered questions on affordability: about 21 units would be set aside for low‑ and moderate‑income buyers and the local preference and lottery mechanics were explained. The team noted available buyer assistance programs and said final pricing for affordable units will depend on HUD/AMIs and program underwriting.

The board asked staff and peer reviewers to coordinate with the applicant so technical material is available to the public before the July meeting.