South Ogden project public hearing draws crowd

A crowd of Ogden residents, many of them members of the Southwest Ogden Neighborhood Association, came out to voice their opposition to planned construction on the Sandy Knoll Subdivision.

Traffic concerns, but more importantly, water and issues with flooded basements were the topics of conversation when residents took to the podium at the Ogden Planning Board of Appeals public hearing on Thursday, May 25.

Lee Sinsbox, chairman of the planning board, explained to those in attendance that the proposed subdivision would take a 65-acre parcel on Euler Road and subdivide it into 38 single family residence lots. The purpose of the meeting was to determine the SEQR (State Environmental Quality Review) action and impacts. Board member Marc Robinson put forth a motion to declare a negative declaration to the proposed development. "This project isn't likely to have any significant effect on the environment," he said.

The motion was unanimously passed and the public hearing was opened. "This doesn't mean the project is approved, this just opens the discussion," Sinsbox said.

Ken Applin, a hydrogeologist hired by the Neighborhood Association to study the effects of proposed construction on the water table, said that based on his professional opinion and given the fact of the increased number of complaints with water in the basements, that any new construction would negatively impact the environment and the homeowners. "There have been no major changes in the weather conditions that would have caused the change in the recent flooding of the basements," he said. "As the town has, and continues to be, developed, there will be a negative impact on the water table."

Sinsbox said the town has very high ground water levels. "A good engineering plan could intercept the water with a sub-surface system," he said.

The town's unique soil make up of sandy ground deposits over bedrock and the southeast to southwest slope, coupled with a shallow water table, in effect, contributes to a "conveyor belt effect" that affects homeowner's basements and the water table, Applin said.

"We're going to try to make the surrounding areas better with the new development," Robinson said. "If the water is piped properly to the watershed the flooding could be mitigated."

"Before construction occurs, these residents need assurances that their situation will not be made worse," Applin said.

Willard Pengelly said, "This board is the rudder to the ship. What you do will affect generations to come," he said. Pengelly also asked if Ogden's retention ponds have been tested for pollution.

Jim DiPasquale wanted to know why county and town government decisions override community concerns. "This is the first time we've had a public hearing," he said. "A home is the biggest investment a person makes and if you are wrong these people could lose everything. I urge you to go slowly and do your research. Money shouldn't override concerns."

Sinsbox said the town doesn't benefit from such construction. "For every $1 in taxes we receive, the town spends $1.30 in services. We don't make money on building houses."

"This is our country, our home and our land. I completely and carefully completed the open space land survey but I wonder if it will be taken into consideration," Pat Olson said. "I hear you saying you hope to alleviate 'some' of the issues, and 'hope' to do something and 'attempt' to address issues. Hope, attempt and some isn't good enough. I urge you to make Ogden an example for other communities."

A 40-year resident of Washington Street voiced her concerns with the traffic situation. "The speed limit on Washington Street is 55 miles an hour, there are no sidewalks and Euler Road is a yield onto Washington," she said. "We've been told it's a state road and there is nothing we can do but if you are putting more homes there, the traffic situation will get worse. I hope this project isn't pushed on us."

Several times, residents broke into applause following the impassioned pleas of their neighbors.

June 4, 2006