Date: Fri 23-Aug-1996

Publication: Bee

Author: ANDYG

Quick Words:

Oak-Ridge-P&Z-Vona

Full Text:

P&Z Approves 28 More Lots In Oak Ridge Development

B Y A NDREW G OROSKO

The Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) has approved construction of the

second section of the Oak Ridge residential subdivision off Hattertown Road.

P&Z members August 15 unanimously approved the 28-lot Oak Ridge, Phase 2, on

83 acres at Oak Ridge Road and Eden Hill Road. Nick and Gino Vona are the

developers.

The P&Z required that some of the septic systems in the planned development be

designed by a licensed engineer to prevent potential septic system failures.

The project is an extension of Oak Ridge, Phase 1, an 18-lot development which

was presented to the P&Z in 1988 and then approved.

Neighborhood residents told P&Z members August 1 they fear the development

will cause drainage and water supply problems on their properties.

In 1988, the Vonas had 106 acres at the site. With the acquisition of another

42 acres, the Vonas now hold 148 acres there.

The Vonas now have road frontage on Eden Hill Road, allowing Oak Ridge Road,

which currently is a dead end street off Hattertown Road, to be extended to

Eden Hill Road. A spur road off Oak Ridge Road, known as Vonas Way, will be

built as part of the second phase of the development.

Twenty-seven of the 28 lots in Phase 2 of the project will range in size from

two to three acres. One lot will be 11 acres. The 11-acre lot will allow for a

potential future residential resubdivision.

Houses in the development will have deed restrictions requiring minimum house

sizes of 3,200 square feet. The buildings will generally have a colonial

design. Garage doors won't face the street.

Houses there will cost approximately $500,000 to $1 million each and would be

similar to the homes already constructed in Oak Ridge, Phase 1, according to

the developers.

A hydrogeologic study performed for the developers indicates the proposed

development would cause no significant foreseeable domestic well water

problems concerning water quality or water quantity.

The developers have worked with the Newtown Bridle Land Trust, the real estate

arm of the Newtown Bridle Lanes Association, to provide easements for

horseback riding and hiking across open space areas of the development. Such

easements prohibit the use of motorized vehicles on the open space areas.

Area residents speaking at a August 1 P&Z public hearing expressed fears that

the development would damage underground water supplies and cause drainage

problems.

Neighbor Concerns

William Hine of Farm Meadow Road, an owner of property that abuts the

development site, said it appears that water runoff from the site would drain

toward his property. He expressed concerns about potential drainage, sewage

and water supply problems. Mr Hine said he fears new development in the area

will damage his 16-acre property and hurt his property's value.

James Doherty of Eden Hill Road said he's concerned about increased

development in the area, noting that after the Poverty Hollow area was

developed, Poverty Hollow Road became a commuter route to lower Fairfield

County.

David McCauley of Rock Ridge Road, representing the Newtown Bridle Lanes

Association, said the association appreciates efforts the developers have

taken to allow horseback riders to use the development site.

Lisa Elsenhans of Farm Meadow Road said she is concerned about potential

drainage problems caused by the proposed subdivision, adding a new development

would make for a dramatic change to the neighborhood, as well as decreased

property values.

In response to those residents' concerns, Jack Curtis, representing the

developers, said the applicants had spent 18 months drawing plans for the

project to ensure it meets applicable local land use rules and that it won't

cause drainage problems on nearby properties.

Russell Cyr, an engineer for the developers, explained the proposed

development's drainage design, describing the steps that will be taken to

prevent damage to neighboring properties.

Charles Dimmick, a geologist representing the developers, explained the water

supply dynamics of the proposed development. Although approximately 120 people

would live in Phase 2 of Oak Ridge when home construction is complete, there

is sufficient underground water available to supply about 1,200 people,

according to the geologist.