Planning board tables Tattlebrook Farm subdivision amendment pending frontage data

The Shapleigh Planning Board on July 14 reviewed an amendment to the Tattlebrook Farm subdivision that would add an additional lot to Map 1, Lot 1926 on Tattle Street but voted to table final approval until the applicant supplies updated plans documenting road frontage.

Board members examined survey and plan materials, including an amended subdivision plan drafted by Christian v. Wilburu, PLS, dated 07/14/26, and a legal opinion from attorney Mark Kearns about whether a lot bisected by a private right‑of‑way meets state subdivision rules. Chair (speaker 1) read parts of the opinion into the record, noting, "Maine's primary subdivision statute title 30 a, MRSA 4404 sets out the criteria that municipal reviewing authority must consider before approving a subdivision," and that the statute does not directly address private rights‑of‑way for lots.

Engineered plans and stormwater measures prepared by Kenneth Wood were discussed at length; the board noted that monumentation for previously approved lots had been observed in the field and that stormwater controls for a 100‑year event are shown on the record. The board also cited a letter from the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife recommending a 100‑foot undisturbed vegetative buffer along the stream in the project area.

The primary sticking point was whether the proposed new lots meet the ordinance's minimum 200‑foot street‑frontage requirement when measured along a private way and hammerhead turnaround. Participants debated measurement conventions and whether frontage should be counted separately on each side of the private way. To avoid re‑opening findings of fact at another meeting, a participant proposed making final approval conditional on the applicant submitting an amended plan that clearly shows frontage dimensions for each lot; the board instead chose to table the application until the updated plans are submitted and reviewed.

The board took a formal vote to table the amended subdivision application; the motion carried. The applicant and property owner (Mr. Page and Mr. Warner were listed in the record as present) were instructed to submit amended plans with frontage labeled so the CEO (Barbara) can confirm measurements prior to final sign‑off.