RiverPlace:  A Development Ahead of Its Time

The G1 Zoning District is very permissive and the development proposed is permitted.  However, a cursory review of the proposal, as it appeared in the Hudson~Litchfield News indicates the cart is ahead of the horse.

The site has 395 acres in total.  Soil scientist and surveyors must review the property to determine the total area of wetlands and slopes which exceed 25 percent.

This area of wet and 25 percent slopes must be deducted from the gross area.

            A retail area of 2.1 million square feet is equal to 48 acres, with 10 acres of parking, and five acres of setbacks, a total of 63 acres.  Is the cinema included in the retail space?

An office park will require a minimum of 30 acres of buildings, parking, and setbacks. 

A 400 room hotel.  Hudson has height limitations which will require a zoning variance from the ordinance and probably special equipment for the fire department.

Assume 10 acres for the structure, parking, and setbacks.  The area required is up to 103 acres, without any deductions, a balance of 292 acres.  Two-hundred ninety-two acres will provide sufficient area for 280 units of the proposed elderly housing with two bedrooms.  A club house with amenities must also be provided for Elderly Housing.  Note:  The G1 zone allows only single or duplex residential housing.  The proposal is for 55 plus housing.  A minimum age must also be attached to this project.  Hudson must be protected from cost associated with schools if these units can not be sold or rented to qualified older persons. 

The development agreement must include a pre-existing statement that all owners agree to pay for all school cost associated with each unit.

            An older person project must be served by municipal water and sewer.

            The limitations on sewer availability require the town engineer to recommend permission to hook up and the selectmen must approve.

    When will the variance(s) be requested?

    When will permission to hook up to the sewer system be requested?

    When will the gross land area be verified?

   Where will the additional acreage come from?

Additionally, why will required fees be deferred for payment at a later date?  All other developers pay in advance.

Leo Fauvel - Hudson

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