From: Anne Hennessey, P.E. [mailto:amh_pe@yahoo.com]
Sent: Monday, March 08, 2004 4:05 PM
To: kelly yost
Subject: Richmond American application

Kelly

I have reviewed the application from Richmond American for rezoning of 45.32 acres adjacent to the town limits from JLMA-2 to PDH-3, administered as R-8 with modifications. The majority of the property within the town limits is zoned R-2, with a minimum lot area of 20,000 sf. The subdivisions surrounding the subject property have been developed with single family lot sizes generally between 1/4 and 1/2 acre, with occassional lots as small as 1/8 acre. Following typical planning practices, the subject area should provide lots sizes similar in area to the surrounding area or should provide for a transition between areas of differing lot sizes.

This application requests lot size modification to 4,500. This is substantially smaller than existing lot sizes within the town limits and the overall lot size is smaller than surrounding developments. The concept plan does not provide for a gradient of lot sizes transitioning between lot sizes of the adjacant developments. The density proposed on the developed portion of the subject property is approximately 4.95 units/acre. This is a substantial increase over all of the adjacent properties.

It is my understanding that the Town does not have adequate capacity to provide utility service for the development as proposed. The density and proposed buildout of this property should not exceed the town's ability to provide services.

The proposed roadway connection linking Evening Star Drive with Rt 719 appears to provide a logical, well-placed transportation link and the development proposes pedestrian trails linking to existing networks. The open space preserves existing wetlands and floodplain on the property, protecting important environmental assets.

The general concept of the development provides for traditional town-development patterns, however, this project does not "continue the development pattern of the Town of Round Hill" as stated in the justification for the zoning map amendment. The pattern of development proposed is at a higher density than adjacent properties. Policy #5 of the Land Use Policies for Towns cited in the statement of justification calls for future development to apply appropriate community-design concepts...to complement and enhance the existing development patterns of the town. This is not meet by the application as proposed.

Let me know if you have any questions,

Anne

Anne M. Hennessey, P.E.
Consulting Engineer