Ashford Estates seeks preliminary approval

CHESTER — The Chester Planning Board will on Thursday, Dec. 19, consider granting conditional preliminary approval of Ashford Estates, a 20-lot subdivision that extends from Vivien Lane at the end of Surrey Road in Chester toward Broadlea in Goshen

After several revisions to the plan over the years, the developer, John Sorrentino, and planning board have agreed on a cluster plan.

The development will lie mostly in a ridge-protected area, which requires that houses blend with the landscape through the use of muted colors and landscaping. The cluster plan provides for more open space with less tree-cutting.

An extensive stormwater drainage plan submitted last month was designed to protect neighbors from runoff while easing the flooding problems they already have. Stormwater drains will be bigger, and will divert water farther from existing houses. Several stormwater ponds will be added.

A "green plan" worked out with the town's planning consultant, Ted Fink, includes access to the Heritage Trail, and may eventually provide access to the development's open space.

Tracy Schuh of The Preservation Collective has challenged the legality of transferring three lots from the Goshen portion, which is actually located in Chester. She has also raised questions about well testing.

Portions of land located in Goshen will be deeded to Chester as parkland, which the Chester Planning Board sees as a valuable asset. They also point to the site's potential as a backup water source for the town.

About 25 percent of the site's 47.1 acres cannot be developed because of wetlands, slopes, cemeteries, and other obstacles. Of the remaining 38 acres, 50 percent must remain open space.

There is disagreement about whether land approved for building in one town can be transferred to another. The planning board's attorney, Dave Donovan, says it's not prohibited. The attorney for the Preservation Collective says it is.

By Edie Johnson