The Planning Board unanimously approved the site plan for a six-lot subdivision and road improvements on Bancroft Road.
Additionally, the Board granted a waiver for the proposed “Pinkerton Hills” residential development that will allow for the depth of cover for storm drain lines to be less than 36 inches to avoid existing transmission line poles and utilize an existing drainage easement on an abutting property.
Staff supported the waiver due to constraints on the property and because a reinforced concrete pipe is to be installed.
The road widening and related improvements to be completed will improve drainage in the area and reduce the amount of water flowing on abutting properties, according to Jason Lopez of Keach-Nordstrom Associates, Inc., a civil engineering firm in Bedford.
Neighbors who attended the public hearing expressed concern the improvements and development of single-family homes on Bancroft and Hardy roads would increase drainage onto their own properties and potentially have a detrimental impact on their wells and septic systems.
“I’m worried about any runoff due to the heavy rains. I don’t want to see what happened at Parish Hills a number of years ago, where heavy rains had a slight impact on their septic systems. The Town did give them quite a bit of help, but they were left to pay for the situation themselves because there was not enough money left from the builder,” said Frank McCann, an abutter on Bancroft Road. “If there is an unforeseen situation, what’s the recourse for all the abutters?”
“We have learned our lesson from Parish Hills as a town, and there will be funds available. If things are not completed, that will be addressed,” Chairman Art Rugg said. “If something happens with the developer where something is not completed, the Town would use those funds to reimburse the abutters.”
Assistant Director of Public Works John Trottier additionally confirmed a drainage analysis was completed for the project as part of the requirements for approval.
In addition to the drainage concerns, Josh Massi of Bancroft Road said he fears widening the road will further exacerbate an ongoing issue they have had with people speeding down his narrow street.
“People already drive fast down Bancroft. If you widen that road, it’s going to turn into Hardy Road. I have kids at home,” he said. “So many kids drive down that road at 80 miles per hour. It’s unbelievable how fast they go.”
Other improvements proposed as part of the development include some tree clearing and the relocation of an existing stone wall along the front of the parcels on which the single-family homes are to be constructed.
In addition to concerns over the potential for increased drainage, neighbors expressed concern with the potential for blasting.
Steven Keach, principal engineer and president of Keach-Nordstrom, said they don’t anticipate there will be a need to conduct blasting on the site; but, they would consult with neighbors and conduct pre-blast surveys of abutting properties if blasting does occur.
“Here in town there is good construction protocol. The contractor, Lamontagne Builders, has been around for 40 years,” he said, noting the superintendent from Lamontagne will knock on neighbors’ doors and make special arrangements once construction begins. “The owner has a good reputation. He will have his people do the right thing.”
Trottier noted he will be checking in on the project to ensure construction is progressing according to code.
Moving forward, Rugg encouraged Keach and the developer to remain in contact and work with the abutters.