DRB discusses town’s water and waste water issues

By Gail Callahan

During its Feb. 3 meeting, Hinesburg’s Development Review Board (DRB) discussed the lack of municipal water treatment capacity and questioned its impact on all future developments.

Hinesburg Director of Planning and Zoning Alex Weinhagen reminded the panel that two new wells will come online later this year and the existing wells will go offline. Hinesburg will therefore gain limited capacity; the new wells are expected to yield slightly more than the current wells, how much is an open question.

Last year, Hinesburg voters approved a bond measure to make improvements to the town’s water system for up to $1.5 million. Weinhagen pointed out that there is no timeline or set cost for a project that eases current water capacity problems. The Selectboard will discuss the issue once the new wells are working. Weinhagen added that the new system will likely help developers with projects that have been green lighted.

As the discussion continued, DRB Chair Zoe Wainer called for definitive information on water capacity and delivery, noting town officials must consider the needs of smaller developments as well as larger ones. She then asked about the water allocation process; Weinhagen explained the wastewater assignments are applied for and made on a “first come, first serve basis” after a project receives site plan approval from the DRB. Only wastewater goes through a parceling out process, water doesn’t, Weinhagen said. The allocation “holds” for three years and then requires Selectboard approval for an extension.

DRB member Dennis Place mentioned the feasibility of developers drilling their own wells for projects the town is unable to serve. “A waiver option is in existence,” responded Weinhagen, “As long as the applicant does not nullify the intent of the water ordinance which requires connection to the town water line.” DRB member Ted Bloomhardt pointed out that it’s incumbent on applicants to meet compliance measures, while Hinesburg Zoning Administrator Peter Erb questioned whether an applicant could pay towards the cost of town infrastructure and additional town wells.

Board member Dick Jordan spoke to the town’s regulations that support growth in the village area, but noted the lack of water capacity appears to be a stumbling block. He suggested that town officials consider water allocation for “phases” of larger projects versus allocating water for a project’s Master Plan. DRB member Sarah Murphy cautioned that such a move could impact or prevent “full build-out.”

Following board members’ comments, several residents, town officials, and developers spoke including Selectboard member Tom Ayer. He proposed the DRB set apart water allocation when reviewing a project. If that happens, projects wouldn’t become back logged, and the Selectboard could then handle water issues. Chair Wainer indicated the panel is eager for Selectboard input on the matter. John Kiedaisch also called for the Selectboard to control water and wastewater allocation, urging the DRB to step away from that role.

Allan Norris, Hinesburg property owner, spoke in support of larger local developments, noting builders could likely afford to construct their own water systems. He also urged the town to try and locate other wells that could provide water, and suggested the real water crisis in town lies in the lack of wastewater capacity.

Resident Bob Thieffals noted that density numbers may need an adjustment and urged both the Selectboard and the DRB to consider what land can support. He also spoke against Weinhagen’s suggestion that developers site and construct wells on their property.

Selectboard Chair Jon Trefry suggested a moratorium while the town fine tunes its policies and planning. Local residents Mary Beth Bowman and Chuck Reiss favored an embargo.

Hinesburg Center developer Brett Grabowski praised the concept of interim zoning, but noted the town is already considering large-scale developments. He said developers spend a considerable amount of time planning projects that are mindful of the needs of the communities where they are located and called for town officials, municipal boards, and builders to work together.

The DRB closed the public meeting and voted 6-0 that the Selectboard address the issue and provide feedback so information on water and wastewater capacity can be supplied to developers and the public.