DRB signals approval of Shelburnewood plan

David Marshall of Civil Engineering appeared on behalf of The Commons at Shelburnewood at the DRB meeting of March 18 to discuss a preliminary plan application for the property. This latest plan differs from earlier proposals in that now the 22.4 acres would be subdivided into just two properties, one of 21.92 acres for the existing 28 unit mobile home park, and one of .54 acres for a single-family home. An existing garage would be torn down to meet the buffer requirements between the two lots and one of the spaces for a mobile home would be relocated   There are currently no plans for further development of the 21.92 acre parcel. An earlier application which would have carved out three lots was approved with the condition that there be “an easement located in a location feasible for the development of a future connector road, connecting the current terminus of Harrington Avenue and the Shelburne Shopping Plaza property.” Marshall argued that such an easement should be required only when any new development was proposed. Town Manager Joe Colangelo appeared on behalf of the Selectboard to assert that the condition should be maintained, arguing that Shelburne’s Subdivision regulations require “rights-of-way for the continuation of streets of adjoining subdivisions and for proper extension of streets through adjoining properties.

“Adjoining property owner Gwen Webster, however, cautioned the DRB against “holding this neighborhood hostage” when there are no current plans to develop the property beyond the boundaries of the Mobile Home Park that has existed since the 1950s. In the end, the DRB agreed with Webster and approved the plan. However, they also agreed that a condition should be written into the approval that stated such an easement would be required in the case of an application for any significant new development on the 21.92 acre lot. The exact language of the condition will be decided at their next meeting. Colangelo indicated that such a condition would likely be acceptable to the Selectboard.

In other business, the DRB approved a conditional use application filed by Don Porter and Anne Bentley for reconstruction of their property at 340 South Forty Road. Although the overall footprint of the home would increase, the portion located in the 100 foot setback would be significantly decreased.

The next meeting of the DRB will be held Wednesday, April 1 at 7pm in the Municipal Center. Election of DRB officers will be on the agenda.