Some Tiverton voters welcome sewers

TIVERTON Residents in three areas of Tiverton Riverside (557 households), the Robert Gray neighborhood (77 households), and Bay Street (123 households) will vote soon on whether or not to bring sewers to their neighborhoods. Im in favor of it, said Dr. Gus Stratton of Riverside Drive. Its better for the environment long term. Its only going to enhance property values, Dr. Stratton said. And if you want to modify your property by putting on an addition, it would be easier to do that kind of planning. I think its a no-brainer. But youd be surprised how many people are opposed to it. Dr. Strattons home is on the Sakonnet River. When Im standing on my dock I see all kinds of stuff floating by, he said. Dr. Stratton said he has a fairly new septic system, put in about 2005-2006, that he has to clean about once or twice a year. South a few blocks on Riverside Drive lives Sharon Silvia who rents from an owner who lives next door. I would love for the area to be sewered, she said. Were right by the water so if were hooked up to the town sewer, it really enhances the value of the house. And maintenance-wise its really beneficial. Ms. Silvia said some of the homes along Riverside Drive just have holding tanks. I know theres a lot of controversy because a lot of people have put in new systems. Paul White lives on Old Colony Terrace on the hillside above the river in the Robert Gray neighborhood, I support it 100 percent, he said. Even though we have a septic system about 10 years old, I think its absolutely necessary. I would hope they prioritize Main Road, because thats the only way youll get commercial development. I would vote yes. I support the wastewater district idea, said Richard Fanning, who lives down the street from Mr. White. He said he knows no one whoe opposed to it. Another Old Colony Road resident, Dave Lithway, said, I dont understand how theyre going to handle the vote, and how the neighbors will decide. I cant understand how theyll sewer if they get a no vote. But does he support sewers? Absolutely, absolutely, absolutely. I have a good septic thats approved but I live at the bottom of the hill and see what rolls down. Over in the Bay Street area, Al Trecida on Hooper Street said, my opinion is its probably good, but if my system is good and up to date and working, they ought to let me keep it. Door-to-door visits by the Times encountered nobody who said theyd vote no. If a majority of the homeowners in a neighborhood votes yes, sewers will be built. If a majority votes no, the provisions of the Cesspool Act of 2007 and other legal mandates relating to septic systems will apply. Inspections will take place, violations will be noted, and appropriate enforcement action will be taken, Mr.Kendrick said. Who can vote Under the new law, only residents who own their homes will get chance to vote. This was not the original intent when the proposed new system was discussed at neighborhood meetings by the towns existing Wastewater Management Commission, and as it was passed by the town council. The change came in the form of an amendment to the legislation that was inserted by the state Senate. The town-approved definition of a voter was originally defined to mean a resident and registered voter within the area. The Senate amendment changed the definition to resident and property owner within the area. Thus, absentee owners not residing in the neighborhood are precluded from voting, as are renters, family members, trustees, and corporate owners (such as banks holding mortgages). The requirement that a district voter be a registered voter in town was also eliminated.

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Some Tiverton voters welcome sewers