Selectboard begins Railroad Circle discontinuance to aid Habitat for Humanity subdivision

The Jericho Selectboard voted unanimously July 16 to begin the process of discontinuing an approximately 70‑foot segment of Railroad Circle to accommodate a two‑lot subdivision tied to a Habitat for Humanity project.

Joe Flynn, representing JCDC in conjunction with the town, showed a map of the unused segment and said the subdivision requires less road frontage than current zoning assumes; keeping a short portion of the road as town highway would allow the development to meet frontage rules while shortening proposed driveways. Flynn also asked the board to waive public‑work specifications for a hammerhead or cul‑de‑sac at the road’s end because a wetland buffer prevents meeting standard turnaround geometry. “If we give up the entire road, that makes their driveway longer,” Flynn said, describing the tradeoffs.

Peter Booth moved to begin the discontinuance process and then moved to grant the waiver for the turnaround specifications. Both motions passed 5-0. The Selectboard discussed preserving an easement for snow‑dumping and noted the discontinuance requires public warning and a site visit before final disposition, which would result in parts reverting either to the town or to adjoining property owners.

The board also noted that JCDC is preparing an agreement with Habitat for Humanity to transfer ownership of the relevant parcel. The town did not set a final date for the discontinuance hearing; procedures were described by town staff as following typical statutory steps (public warning, site visit, and deliberation).