Trust reviews Phase I environmental quote and test-pit findings for Cottages sites

Trust staff updated members Jan. 10 on site due diligence for two cottages projects, recommending a Phase I environmental assessment and reporting recent geotechnical findings that affect design and unit counts.

Hank told the Trust a consultant (transcript reference: Teagan Bond) quoted to perform a Phase I environmental site assessment, a document-based review common before an RFP. Trustees agreed it was appropriate to proceed and staff were asked to confirm authorization and any required access. The consultant’s quoted figure was read aloud during the meeting; staff will confirm the final contract amount before committing Town funds.

On engineering, WDA’s recent field survey and test pits on the High Street parcel revealed a roughly 12-foot depression in the center of the site and existing town sewer and water rights-of-way running through the middle of the lot. One test pit encountered very large buried boulders, raising the risk of difficult excavation and potentially higher foundation costs. Trustees noted these constraints could reduce the number of buildable units, limit septic options and make slab-on-grade construction the likely low-risk approach.

Trustees directed staff and Ken to convene with engineers to identify next steps, asked for 24×36 prints and PDF plan files to be included in the next packet, and agreed to review trade-offs (turnaround access, unit counts, possible duplex options) and to contact the fire department about access requirements if easement negotiations fail.

Trust members also discussed outreach to the Beach Street property manager — staff reported little response so far — and agreed to consider certified letters to the owner/agent while preparing alternative plans if an easement cannot be secured. No final development decisions were made; staff will return with refined engineering guidance and cost implications.