Sewer lines: Extending them solves problems, but creates others

Theres an upside and a downside to extending sewer lines.

The potential benefits of sewer line extensions wastewater problems solved for good, septic system pumping and repairs relegated to history, property values increased brought residents of two neighborhoods, the Soundview area and New Street, to last Thursdays Water Pollution Control Authority meeting.

And potential problems that seem almost certain to come with sewer line extensions pressure for more development, affordable housing projects that brush aside density limits using the states zone-busting statute 8-30g brought out worried members of the Planning and Zoning Commission.

When we get rainfall, we definitely get some sort of odor. Im assuming its septic odor, a Wilton Road West resident said.

We have pumped frequently. I want to say maybe six times last year.

A sewer line extension could be a big help to the area Soundview Road, Wilton Road West, Creamery Lane, and Marcardon Avenue which has smaller lots and a high water table.

But extending sewers to new areas the Soundview neighborhood off south Main Street, or New Street, west of north Main Street could cause headaches for planning and zoning authorities.

From a planning and zoning perspective, once it becomes served, it becomes a potential property for affordable housing, said Planning and Zoning Commission Chairman Rebecca Mucchetti.

This is always an issue, said Water Pollution Control Authority Chairman Amy Siebert, the push-me pull-you of development.

In all, 21 people spoke 13 residents, six members of the Planning and Zoning Commission, Town Sanitarian Ed Briggs, and a lawyer for Bennetts Pond developer Eureka V LLC.

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Sewer lines: Extending them solves problems, but creates others