Proposed Duplexes Unwelcome
by Doug La Rocque
Developer Charles Farrell would like to construct a pair of duplexes at 392 and 394 Brunswick Road (NYS Route 2), each unit containing two bedrooms. The proposal was the subject of a Planning Board public hearing on Thursday, June 18, with no one who chose to speak over the zoom platform hearing, expressing any support. Repeated speakers brought forth issues such as septic, water table impact, traffic, lack of garages for storage and vehicle parking, and overall fit with the neighborhood. The area was previously approved for two single family homes, and most of those speaking against the duplexes indicated they were not opposed to such construction.
The applicant must now answer the residents’ concerns in writing and present those answers to the planning board. The issue was placed on the agenda for a July 2 meeting.
Verizon Wireless Tower
The saga that is the proposal to construct another cell phone tower on land off Creek Road at the corner of Menemsha Lane was back on the meeting agenda. After many months, Blue Sky towers, the actual applicant, has given the board its written response to the numerous complaints and questions raised at last year’s public hearing. Ron Laberge, the engineer hired by the town to review the proposal, is considering those answers. He did bring up two points he wants Blue Sky to address. The first involves the proposal to build a monopole tower disguised to look like a pine tree. Mr. Laberge was not impressed with their first simulation and would like a more detailed proposal. The second would involve a market analysis. This proposal too, was placed on the agenda for the next meeting.