Lewis Landing development is too big
The proposal before the Fairhaven Planning Board to put four three-unit condominiums with their required 28 parking places is a bad project for the site, the neighborhood, Route 6, and the town.
For over two years, since town meeting in May of 2018 voted to change the zoning to allow a project of “…not more than 12 Condominium units…”, we have seen this project through more than five peer reviews regarding the flooding/water issues alone. The petitioner has spent much time and money on a development whose plan has become squeezed by a problematic and difficult site. These issues could never have been known by town meeting members when the site was reclassified.
Once touted as a “Condominium” project with associated “extras”, the site has dictated housing with few amenities and are now being referred to as “rental units’ with no storage space (basements/garages) or outdoor space (decks/landings).
Access from both directions on Rte. 6 is dangerous.
From the west, the curve up Blossom Hill creates a difficult crossing for pedestrians and students headed to East Fairhaven School. It is widely acknowledged traffic flows at far over the speed limit on this section of Rte. 6 in spite of the blind curve.
From the east, this project would effectively open Rte. 6’s four lanes to 125-plus feet of access on the south side. This includes Gellette Road, a nearly wide open entrance and exit from the Southcoast Liquors parking lot, and the proposed new entrance to Lewis Landing.
The petitioner has shown no interest in scaling back this project. The elaborate and complex water control system dictated by the project apparently leaves no money to enhance the structures. As a neighborhood we are asked to accept these flooding and safety problems.
This is unreasonable and wrong.
I hope the Planning Board considers these concerns and votes to deny this project.
Sincerely, Nate Bekemeier, Fairhaven
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