By David Tyler
A new housing development featuring 34 homes has been proposed just south of Brandywine Drive off Henneberry Road in the town of Manlius.
The road would form a large loop with two new roadcuts on Henneberry Road.
The project, proposed by Harrington Homes, is being called the second phase of the Brandywine subdivision. The development includes two new homes at the dead end of Brandywine Drive and 32 homes on the as yet unnamed loop road.
Planning board members voiced a number of concerns about water – both storm water drainage and drinking water. Because of the elevation, OCWA would be unable to serve the homes, and initial plans call for individual wells on 32 of the 34 properties.
“I think that’s going to be critical in a 34-lot subdivision,” said planning board Chairman Joe Lupia.
Drainage is also a concern. The subdivision slopes significantly from south to north toward Brandywine Drive. Town Engineer Doug Miller reported to the board that when the homes on Brandywine Drive were built about 15 years ago, there were a number of drainage issues.
“They’re going to look at that and say ‘oh my God, here comes the water,’” board member Arnie Poltensen said of Brandywine Drive residents.
Harrington said his intention for this first presentation to the board was to hear their initial concerns so that his team can get to work heading off any potential problems. Before coming back to the board, Harrington said his team will begin the process of well testing to ensure the aquifer has enough capacity to serve these homes and continue engineering work on retention basins to solve any potential drainage issues.
“We certainly don’t want to make any situation there worse,” Harrington said. “The last thing the homeowner wants, or that we want, is for someone to have a water issue.”
