WELLS — The first of two public hearings regarding a controversial new development in Wells has been scheduled for next week.

The Wells Planning Board has set up a public hearing for 7 p.m. Monday, March 19, to listen to feedback from the public about a proposal to construct 42 dwelling units consisting of 26 duplexes and 16 single units off of Stephen Eaton Lane and Bourassa Lane in the town.

Out-of-state companies, The Landings, LLC, and Jones & Beach Engineers, Inc. say that the development will be spread over a 19.45-acre parcel of primarily wetlands and vernal pools in Wells.  

Residents living nearby say that the development will dramatically increase vehicle trips onto Stephen Eaton Lane to and from U.S. Route 1, more than the allotted amount specified by town rules. 

Others say they believe this new development will cause increased traffic congestion and pollution, and increase the potential for accidents to pedestrians, EMT, fire trucks, and cars alike. 

A number of residents also have expressed concerns that the amount of roads, lanes and buildings to be constructed on the land will adversely affect the wildlife and their natural habitats, and have cited a variety of wildlife species that live and travel in the wooded area.  

They say Wells has a glut of developments and is saturated with condos, cottages and new homes and adding more behind a small neighbhorhood and asking residents to bear the burden of more traffic onto their narrow road is irresponsible and dangerous.

Neighborhood residents have created and signed a petition asking the Wells Planning Board to uphold town rules protecting residents of Wells from projects that destroy the environment, safety and well-being of its residents and wildlife.

— Executive Editor Ed Pierce can be reached at 282-1535 ext. 326 or by email at [email protected].