36-lot Subdivision Proposed on Extension of Field Pond Road

The Planning Board gave preliminary approval Tuesday for a 36-house lot subdivision that would be created in an extension of Field Pond Road.

The proposal is expected to return to the board for a final review and approval. Under the preliminary plan, the houses in "Sanylah Crossing" would each have their own septic systems.

The development will require an extension of Field Pond Road to Fiske Mill Road. Planning Board members said Tuesday they would not consider a phasing of the development that would allow some houses to be built before the road is completed.

An attorney representing the property owner, in a letter submitted to the board Tuesday, had sought approval for release of some of the lots for sale with only a portion of the road being completed. Board members said they wouldn't consider it.

"This is not doable as far as I am concerned," said chairman Joseph Calagione, after reading the letter from attorney Thomas Wickstrom.

Because the development will require disruption of wetlands, state review is expected to be required under the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA). More than 5,000 square-feet of wetlands would be disturbed under the project, according to a note from Town Engineer Vonnie Reis, who did not recommend project approval.

"Some of the lots contain wetland and/or buffer zone," she wrote. "Due to slopes, some of the lots will require fill to be build able. It needs to be demonstrated that the plan proposed is build-able."