By Tara Fischer

Staff Writer

The Berlin Planning Commission last week reviewed preliminary subdivision plans for the construction of phase five of a development project at Purnell Crossing South.

Troy Purnell, property owner, and attorney Mark Cropper went before the municipality’s planning commission last Wednesday seeking preliminary blessing for the subdivision of land off Prospect Drive.

The commission signed off on the initiative’s initial design. Final approval, which includes the review of utility, landscaping, and other required plans, must be obtained through a subsequent application and review process.

The original Purnell Crossing Planned Unit Development was green-lit in the early 2000s, and the land intended for phase five has always been denoted as space for future development.

Last week, the Berlin Planning Commission heard the preliminary plans to divide this property into three parcels for eventual construction. Purnell maintained that he is unsure if he will sell the area or build it up himself. Still, a designated setup will allow Purnell to either move forward with construction or relinquish the space.

Currently, Purnell said that he plans to construct 20 single-family homes on the property, assuming he doesn’t put the site on the market.

The land will be divided into three parcels: one being an extension of the existing roadway, which, once completed, will be turned over to the Town of Berlin, as well as the water and sewer lines underneath. A second parcel would be used for the proposed 20 single-family homes, and a third a section would be used for stormwater management, likely to include a pond and drainage area.

“We need to go ahead and establish this now to go forward,” Purnell said. “We are very, very close as far as design drawings, construction drawings, and everything else.”

Once the development is complete, the repairs to the roads and sewer would be the responsibility of the Town of Berlin. As for stormwater management, an association agreement will be set up that dictates that all the owners will share in any maintenance fees or future costs.

Last week’s review was strictly preliminary. The commission will hear the project once again at a later date for final site plan approval.