Monday, April 11, 2016

TOWN CENTER WATER/WASTEWATER OPTIONS COMMITTEE ARTICLE 14



BACKGROUND:

Previous studies had provided an understanding of potential sources of public water for the town center, including the drilling and testing of a promising nearby well site.  The TCOC has studied alternative wastewater treatment options ranging from current individual systems, shared septic systems, and traditional full sewer systems.  We have collected information on the legal and administrative options that are available that can control the use of shared or limited municipal districts.  We have some perspective on how current DEP and town regulations limit the options for individual properties in terms of development or changes of use, but we have little knowledge of the impact of private versus public utilities on the residential or business valuations.

The Planning Board has been conducting an extensive study to update the Town Master Plan.  Three subcommittees, Built Environment, Land Use, and Fiscal and Economic are looking into what might be desired for the town center, potential uses of town and private lands, and what economic advantages may accrue to the town through the planning process.  They have conducted a survey of the residents to hear what people see as desirable in terms of development, open space, and services from both municipal and business activities.

PURPOSE OF WATER & WASTEWATER WARRANT ARTICLE 14

The TCOC was charged to develop options for town center water and sewer systems.  The Town Center Water and Wastewater Options Committee (TCOC) initiated an article for this year’s Town Meeting.  This article is officially sponsored by the Committee, the Board of Selectmen, the Board of Health, the Planning Board and the Water Commission.  The article requests $20,000 for professional engineering services. 

The professional engineering services provided by this article will directly support the decision making process of the Planning Board to accomplish the following:

  • Support utilities planning for the Town Center with cost, legal and technical analysis of improvements to water and wastewater systems.
  • Consider appropriate boundaries for Town Center utility districts or neighborhood shared systems.
  • Outline a path forward for implementation of Town Center district recommendations.
  • Provide related support to other Town Boards and Committees and public meetings.


BENEFITS OF IMPROVED WATER AND WASTEWATER SERVICES


  • Assure long term water safety of all town center properties.
  • Preserve the viability of residential, town, church, and commercial properties.
  • Allow for town- meeting controlled changes to the town center.
  • Replace town owned and residential ageing systems.
  • Improve the town appearance, tax base, and spirit.

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