DRB hears specifics of large subdivision, fields public concerns

By Gail Callahan

Hinesburg’s Development Review Board (DRB) continued its review of the Haystack Crossing LLC project during its Tuesday, Jan. 6 meeting. Ben Avery and Dave Marshall told the board they are now supporting a design that eliminates an undetermined number of buildings; it would decrease density numbers and bring the proposal into compliance with Hinesburg’s existing zoning regulations. The proposal includes a large subdivision with residential units, commercial usage, along with green and open space.

Initially, the project spanned two of the town’s zoning sections, Village Northwest and the Agricultural zoning districts. Because of a proposed 50-foot shift in location of buildings, project developers are no longer pursuing a conditional-use permit, seeking to shift the Village Northwest zoning area boundary. The proposal appeared to enjoy support from five of DRB members, including Chair Zoe Wainer.

Last Tuesday’s meeting saw the second version of the project’s sketch plan review. During Haystack’s initial sketch plan review Dec. 2, board members Greg Waples and Wainer expressed concern about the project’s impacts on municipal water and sewer capacity and local schools, particularly Hinesburg Community School (HCS). Weinhagen noted Hinesburg voters approved borrowing $1.5 million to fund increased water capacity and a treatment facility for the municipal water system. New wells providing increased water capacity are slated to come online in late summer to early fall. He did raise a red flag, noting the additional water won’t accommodate Haystack’s needs or those of another large project, Hinesburg Center’s Phase II.

Weinhagen also said HCS administrators are expected to inform the Planning and Zoning Department about potential impacts by the end of February. Avery and Marshall said their research showed that roughly 18 students per year would be added to HCS’s enrollment during the project’s five-year construction phase.

Board members Ted Bloomhardt and Sarah Murphy addressed separate areas of concern. Following the standards set by Act 250, Vermont’s land-use development law, Bloomhardt is concerned about issuing a permit to a project that appears to struggle with “fulfilling” infrastructure demands. Murphy stated concerns about the size and scale of two buildings in the project, identified as Buildings E and H. Murphy called the structures “massive,” and wondered about impacts buildings of that size would have on lot layout. Murphy also sought clarification on how the Hinesburg Police Dept. views the project. She called for information on the number of yearly calls the police department handles to gauge Haystack’s potential impacts.

DRB member Dick Jordan opened the door for consideration of larger-scale buildings if the structures contain a mix of uses and “dedicated commercial use.” Avery and Marshall told the DRB the proposed three-story building would be 35 feet. Local fire department ordinances suggest buildings not exceed 28 feet in height. Avery and Marshall indicated they were aware of the regulations.

In response to suggestions and concerns raised by Hinesburg residents, Avery presented an array of modifications to the plan, including the addition of senior housing, a revised parking scheme, solar power, and increased green space.

During the most recent meeting residents expressed wide-ranging areas of concerns. Andrea Morgante and John Kiedaisch addressed how the project impacts the proposed site’s “cultural significance.” Kiedaisch also asked about a 50-foot swath of unused land created by Avery and Marshall’s proposal to move buildings out of the town’s agricultural zoning district. Avery and Marshall indicated the land would be used for green space and had no additional, concrete plans for the parcel at this time.

Barbara Forauer of Hinesburg sought more information about the Road Commissioner’s concerns regarding road width and its relationship with snow plowing. Responding to Forauer’s question, Avery and Marshall said they are eager to work with Hinesburg’s Buildings & Facilities Committee to insure the project meets “safe street standards.” The hearing continues Feb. 17.

The DRB granted a request by town officials for an extension of the former Hinesburg Police Dept. and surrounding area’s site plan revision. Last year, a group of residents approached the Selectboard urging preservation of the old building.