By Nancy Kopszywa, Stevensville
As a citizen of Stevensville, and a customer on the municipal water and sewer systems, I am becoming more alarmed about the proposed Burnt Fork Estates subdivision planned for the 57 acres bordered by Middle Burnt Fork and Logan Lane. I have reviewed sections of the proposal and little things keep jumping out at me. So much information about number of homes, number of daily car trips, amount of water/sewer connections seems to be inaccurate if you do the math.
I have been aware this summer of a change already in my household water pressure; I believe this is the result of Twin Creeks being extensively developed, Creekside Meadows nearing full development and the infill we are seeing around town itself. How will 78 single family homes and 43 multifamily homes add to the situation?
I sought some information from a town official about the bonds we pay for monthly on the water/sewer bill. Did you know or remember that these were 39 year bonds and that there is still an excess of 30 years on those bonds? What does the addition of all these new proposed connections do to the capacity of our sewer system? Where does the money come from when the sewer system has to be upgraded and enlarged? We citizens of Stevensville, of course! I can only see more bonds in the future. We already see some of the highest water/sewer rates in the county. Can you see a possibility of that expense ever going down?
Burnt Fork Estates might tell you that they are creating 4.5 acres of park space and common areas. But…their plat map shows 3 retention ponds in one common area, with a depth of 2 feet and holding a volume of 95,000 cubic feet of water, another two retention ponds 2 feet deep with 22,000 cubic feet of volume. Also on their plat are “drainage swales” and sumps/drywells. There seems of be a site discharge going west from the subdivision and possible connections/additions through Creekside Meadows. Is all that anticipated water from acreage with a very high water table headed for our city sewer system?
Be concerned, be aware! And be very concerned that the schedule of public meetings, where our voices can be heard and our questions asked face to face, are being denied and being blamed on Covid. If the City Planning and Zoning Board, the mayor and the council really want to answer what we are asking, they should be able to figure out a venue where that can happen. If these meetings are not truly open and public, they should not occur until that is possible!