A site walk was held by the Planning Board regarding the application of the Newmarket School District/Durell Woods Community Association, Inc. The following individuals were present: George Willant, Janice Rosa, Peter Roy, Chet Jablonski, Rick McMenimen, Val Shelton, and Diane Hardy, Town Planner. Also in attendance were Bill Doucet of Doucet Survey and Mark LaRoache, Superintendent of Schools. The following abutters were present: Eleanor Marston, Michael Weit, Dan Swistak, and Justin Normand of 11 Hillside Lane.
The Planning Board met at the rear of the Elementary School. They walked along the short woodland trail, which connects the school property and Huckins Drive. It was noted that although there is a path, it is not a “public right-of-way”. Only the residents of the Durell Woods Community Association have legal rights to pass over the land. There is a 20 foot sewer and water easement that more or less follows the trail. The Board found a mature forest. The area in the vicinity of the proposed easement was fairly flat with slopes 0-3% slopes. The Board observed the distance to Moonlight Brook and the jurisdictional wetlands. It was evident there was considerable land area that was suitable for a ballfield without encroaching on the wetlands and brook. The area toward the rear of the site had ledge and steep slopes, which provided an effective buffer between the school property and Huckins Drive. Mr. LaRoache indicated there would be no blasting. They do not have immediate plans to build the ballfield. They would have to hire an engineer to lay out the fields and develop a storm drainage plan for the site. It was suggested that they come back to the Planning Board at some date in the future for a site plan review. Mark LaRoache also indicated there would be restrictive covenants on the land to limit tree clearing and certain activities. Attorney Peter Bronstein will make those documents available to the Planning Board. The Board noted that there would still be a reasonable buffer of trees left between the proposed easement area and the homes. Those present did not feel that the ball fieldb would open up views significantly. The impact on adjacent properties would be minimal. The applicant did not object to coming back to the Board before doing any tree cutting and would be happy to provide some signage if it would help discourage people from cutting through the property to get to the school. The site walk ended at 10:00 a.m.
