West Springfield residents raised issues about storm water runoff and water pressure regarding a subdivision proposed for off Piper Road.
WEST SPRINGFIELD – Residents objected Wednesday during a Planning Board public hearing to a subdivision proposed for land off Piper Road on the grounds that it will direct runoff onto their property and worsen water pressure problems in the area.
Developer Francis Wheeler Construction Co. needs subdivision approval from the Planning Board to create a 13-lot subdivision on land off 1533 Piper Road.
Plans call for a detention basis near Piper Road to collect storm water runoff from the site that will discharge into a wetland along the western edge of the proposed development.
William J. Rogalski of 71 Apricot Hill Lane, whose home abuts the western edge of the proposed development, expressed concern that water from the project will flow onto this property. He said he already has a natural detention basin in his yard that cannot hold any more water.
Rogalski also objected to the fact that the developer’s plans call for having the owner of lot number 20 to maintain the detention basin.
“I am at the mercy of Mr. and Mrs. Lot Number 20.....That doesn’t give me a nice, warm fuzzy feeling,” Rogalski said.
David F. Banas of 78 Kerry Lane said there are currently problems in the area getting enough water pressure to take a shower and problems will only grow worse if more homes are built, drawing down more water.
“Water pressure is a huge, huge issue,” Banas said.
Stephen J. Buoniconti, attorney for Wheeler, complained that officials have raised the issue of water pressure with regard to proposed fire hydrants only in the last month, after his client has already invested considerable money. The Planning Board gave preliminary approval to the plan in November.
“The town has raised something at the eleventh hour that puts you in a very uncomfortable situation,” Buoniconti said.
Planning Administrator Richard A. Werbiskis suggested that the board continue the public hearing, which went for more than two hours. He said aside from water pressure there are a number of other issues outstanding.
Planning Board member Kate Harrington made a motion to continue the hearing to the board’s next meeting, which will take place at 7 p.m. on May 4. The board unanimously approved the measure.