Dartmouth CivicMeeting.net Weekly

A contentious public hearing was held for a proposed 300-unit development on Hathaway Road, which would significantly alter the neighborhood. The board and public expressed strong reservations about the project's scale, density, and traffic impact. This project represents one of the largest potential developments in town, affecting housing availability and local character.

The Department of Public Works reported that the 300-unit project would necessitate costly upgrades to the town's sewer mains and pump stations. These infrastructure costs, potentially running into the millions, could ultimately be borne by taxpayers. The DPW director also recommended against waiving connection fees for the developer.

Facing likely denial, the developer agreed with the board to hold a special working session on July 9 to explore potential compromises on the 300-unit proposal. This decision postpones a final vote and creates a new forum for negotiation outside of a formal public hearing. The official public hearing will resume on July 30.