Heron Point Preserve Subdivision
26-lot cluster subdivision on 150 acres raises environmental and infrastructure concerns on Pickerel Pond Road.
The 26-lot Heron Point Preserve Subdivision on Pickerel Pond Road advanced through the Planning Board on 2026-06-02 with approval of two waivers and unanimous acceptance of the application as complete before final unanimous approval. Strong objections centered on aquifer, wetland, and road-capacity risks. Remaining conditional-use items await future board action.
The Heron Point Preserve Subdivision proposal (PB2026-032) for a 26-lot cluster subdivision on 150 acres along Pickerel Pond Road was presented to the Planning Board on 2026-06-02 by applicant Benchmark LLC.
The application included multiple waiver requests, specifically to substitute granite curbing with Cape Cod berm and to provide a 4-foot shoulder with a fog line instead of a traditional sidewalk.
During discussion the board addressed implications for snow plowing, ADA compliance, and pedestrian safety before voting to approve the two waivers and accept the application as complete.
The hearing was tabled to allow further review, after which the board approved the full application unanimously with the findings of fact and conditions in the staff report.
Abutters and the Conservation Commission raised objections focused on aquifer impacts from 26 new wells, septic system risks, wetland protection, and the weight-limited condition of Pickerel Pond Road.
A split vote occurred on the sidewalk waiver, recorded as 7 in favor, 1 against, while all other subdivision-related actions passed unanimously.
The Conservation Commission requested additional time and a hydrogeological study to assess water impacts before final decisions on remaining items.
The board will address the third waiver (conditional use for the buffer) and the two conditional use permits at a future meeting; the Conservation Commission will provide comments.
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