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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