—
Residents spoke out against a proposed subdivision on Browdy Mountain Monday night during a public hearing conducted by the Town of Otsego planning board.
Developer Bill Miller wants to subdivide an eleven-acre hillside parcel on the west side of Otsego Lake into three parcels ranging from 3.31 to 4.2 acres _ enough to meet the town’s three-acre minimum. Miller is the developer who built the large log condominiums along the lake in the town of Springfield.
Some neighboring property owners questioned Miller’s ability to subdivide the property because of deed restrictions placed on other parcels that, like his, were part of the same original property. The board and Miller’s attorney believe Miller’s piece did not have the same restriction that was placed on the other parcels when they were subdivided from the original.
Beth Westfall, an attorney representing some of the neighbors questioned the determination of no restrictions on the deed.
The idea there is no restriction is ``a very dangerous leap of faith,’’ she said.
She also urged the planning board to consider that as a Type I project it is more likely to have an adverse impact and asked the board to give it special attention.
Veronica Seaver, who owns property nearby said she remembers when there were no homes there.
``I don’t like the idea of any houses,’’ she commented.
Marilyn Bradshaw told the board the decision they make is extremely important.
More homes on Browdy Mountain will change the character of the lake and could potentially increase the amount of run-off.
She also spoke of tree cutting that has already been done and that it will destroy the scenic beauty of the lake and increase run-off.
If the board approves the subdivision, it will encourage more and more development, she said.
Carol Akin, another nearby neighbor, said the lake is at a critical point and approving the subdivision could do more damage to the lake.
``The best protection would be a decision not build anymore on hillsides around the lake,’’ she said.
``There is too much land developed already. Development will not slow unless you slow it. Your decision will impact all residents around the lake.’’
Following the public hearing, the planning board began the State Environmental Quality Review of the subdivision proposal, but did not complete it. The board is still waiting to receive an opinion from the State Office of Historic Preservation before finishing the review.
The property is in the GlimmerglassHistoric District.
