Lack of water pressure puts strain on development
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

A small, usually quiet section of Amherst caused a lot of commotion at Monday's Town Board meeting.

The area between Main Street and Sheridan Drive near Brompton Road is the site of the proposed Greythorne subdivision and an 87-unit patio home development, both being planned by Marrano/Marc Equity Corporation.

Much of the board meeting was spent discussing the two projects. First, there was a public hearing to rezone 6380 and 6420 Main St., from Community Facilities-CF and Office Building District-OB to Multi-Family Residential, MFR-4A, to allow for the patio home development.

The 21-acre site would house 87 patio homes between the Hampton Hills development, the Greythorne Subdivision, a tennis club and Ciminelli Development's office.

Residents in the Hampton Hill development said they had major concerns with the project.

John Connolly, president of the Hampton Estate Condominium Association, said the residents are not opposed to the proposed project but they are concerned as to how it will affect water pressure and they are opposed to blasting.

"Most of 140 homes (on Hampton Hill), as well as other homeowners in the area, are plagued with low water pressure," he said. "The developer has given us no assurances that his development will not further erode the flow into our homes."

One resident who spoke said she had her water pressure tested, and it was below 30 psi (pounds per square inch) and at times dropped to 15 psi. According to most regulations, the ideal is at least 40.

Connolly said he knew of 43 homes in the Hampton Hill area that were tested. Thirty-five homes were less than 35 psi, and seven were less than 30.

He added that the first phase of the project had been disapproved by the chief fire inspector due to the water pressure concerns, but it passed anyway.

"This water issue should come as no surprise to anyone at Town Hall. It is ludicrous to add more demand until you remedy the problem," he said.

The other major concern, addressed by several speakers during the public hearing, was the possibility of blasting for sewers. Health and damage to surrounding properties were the two major effects discussed.

A few years ago, the town created an extensive ordinance for blasting within town boundaries. Building Commissioner Thomas Ketchum said only one permit has been granted for blasting, which was to the Department of Transportation for construction on Transit Road.

"All the legalities and cost to go through are a deterrent for blasting," he said.

Included in the ordinance is $1 million to $2 million for insurance, several permits and requirements for consultants.

Attorney Jeff Palumbo, of Damon and Morey, who is representing Marrano, said the developer would want to avoid blasting, using it as a last resort. The preferred method is chipping, which will be done for the basements of the patio homes.

Support for the project was evident from the Town Board and residents, but details still needed to be addressed.

Supervisor Satish Mohan said he thought the project was appropriate but shouldn't be approved until the neighbors were satisfied.

"The judges will be the neighbors. A representative from the neighborhoods has to say yes," he said. "Any development we do is for the people."

The rezoning request was tabled, 4-3.

Hours later, Greythorne subdivision was once again the topic of conversation, basically pitting Marrano against department heads as the board was pushed to make a decision.

The request was for public improvement permits for sanitary sewer, waterline and storm sewer projects, with the paperwork completed just hours before the meeting.

The Erie County Health Department granted approval late Monday.

Planning Director Rick Gillert advised the board that the final subdivision approval from the Planning Board had not been granted and should be done prior to permit approvals.

A debate over rules between the building, planning and attorney's offices and the representatives for the developer ensued.

Palumbo and Victor A. Martucci, vice president of land and diversification for Marrano, pushed for board approval. Martucci said the items were "housekeeping details," and the development needed to move soon or miss another year to break ground.

"Jeff (Burroughs) went to great extents to have the plans reviewed for tonight's meeting," Martucci said. "Some of (the delay) is on us and we take responsibility for this."

When asked by the Town Board, Burroughs said he would recommend approval of the public improvement permits.

The board voted 4-3 to grant the approval.