I had an opportunity to see Connecticut's Legislative process in action yesterday as the Environmental Commission listened to testimony concerning a proposed law to place a one year moratorium on alternative on-site sewage treatment systems. It is always interesting to see the same data and statistics used by both sides to bolster their argument.
The proposed development by Leyland Alliance is in high demand. It is an over 55 "high density" community on a little used airport property in Madison bordered by the Hammonassett River and Long Island Sound. The proposed development has been in process for over four years (the staying power of developers is amazing) and has already had a positive impact on that section of town with high end shops and office buildings budding up in the area since the announced development. Due to the nature and value of the properties being placed in that location it is anticipated that there will be a $1M annual net positive impact to the tax revenue stream in town. For towns like Madison who send plenty up to the state with little in return it would seem that this would be a no brainer. But as it is with any development, that is not necessarily so.
Opposition to the development came out early and strong, leading with environmental concerns. Those concerns are certainly valid and as a result the development was downsized and the On-Site system design changed. Based on everything I have seen it appears that those opposed are twisting the statistics of On-Site systems to support their cause. It would appear to the layman that overall these systems out perform traditional septic systems hands down - when operated correctly. And that appears to be where the major issue is...consistent operation.
Well Madison has a good deal of experience with several systems operating in town and it would appear that locally we understand what it takes to manage these systems. As with many other things, it comes down to good design work - solid construction - and a disciplined ongoing management plan.
Our water resources are a basis for the unique value of Madison and the surrounding towns and we do need to protect them. However a balance needs to be struck between protection and providing the resources and funding to continue to build value into our community. While decidedly biased, as a Realtor you like to see any development that will cause buyers and sellers to emerge and prosper, the type of community proposed by Leyland Alliance is just what the market ordered.
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Tom Burland http://www.ct-shore-homes.com/
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