Durham Planning Board Tables Bowie Hill Phase Two, Advances Three Other Items

The Durham Planning Board voted to table the Bowie Hill subdivision phase two application after finding gaps in clearing documentation and wetland mapping, and heard Conservation Commission concerns about tree clearing done before approval. The board also extended preliminary approval for Durham Heights, approved a preliminary amendment for the Bassett subdivision with a performance guarantee waiver, and found the Harmony Towers application incomplete. Members discussed 2027 land use ordinance amendments and scheduled a workshop on the agritourism proposal.

Key points

• The board voted to table the Bowie Hill phase two preliminary application to its next meeting, with member Alan objecting and citing missing DEP correspondence, unmapped farmland soils, and late abutter notices.
• A Conservation Commission representative said tree clearing for phase two roads and house lots occurred before planning board approval and may have affected wetlands, and suggested a site visit with the code enforcement officer and DEP.
• The board voted to extend preliminary subdivision approval for the Durham Heights subdivision on Quaker Meeting House Road and to continue its review under the previous land use ordinance.
• The board approved the Bassett subdivision amendment preliminary application with conditions, including a waiver of the financial performance guarantee, and waived the road width standard to 20 feet to match existing conditions.
• The board found the Harmony Towers telecommunications tower application on Millbrook Road incomplete, citing missing submission items; the applicant plans to shift the tower compound to meet the 100-foot setback.
• The board agreed to focus 2027 ordinance amendments on affordable housing compliance, gravel pits, telecommunications towers, and noise rules, and to hold a workshop on the agritourism proposal.

Next steps

• The Bowie Hill applicant will submit corrected clearing maps, wetland verification, DEP correspondence, and other documentation before the next meeting.
• A workshop on the agritourism proposal is set for October 21 at 6:30 p.m., with comments to be provided before the Agriculture Committee's October 28 meeting.
• The board will forward a recommendation to the Select Board to appoint Darren as a permanent Planning Board member.
• The board will prepare draft minutes and a list of outstanding items for the Bowie Hill applicant.

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