By Dave Fidlin
The development of two up-and-coming subdivisions in Rochester was a lengthy topic of discussion last month for the Rochester Village Board.
Elected officials discussed paving deadlines with developer Jeff Johnson for the Stoneridge Subdivision, located off Ridge Lane, and the Coyote Territory Subdivision, located off Washington Avenue.
Johnson and fellow developer Ed Stone have until Nov. 1 to address laying asphalt near individual homes’ driveways in each subdivision. But questions – including how the work will impact the municipal roadway – arose.
“I don’t want to just stick $30,000 or $40,000 into this,” Johnson said.
Village officials and Johnson asserted the new pavement is meant to preserve existing municipal pavement. But how the two will mesh was the question at issue.
Further work might become necessary. Legally, Johnson said it is possible he might need to change covenants with seven property owners already occupying land within the developments for the work to move forward.
Although the village wants to maintain its existing roadway, without damage, throughout any construction work, Village President Paul Beere asserted, “In some regards, this is sacrificial asphalt.”
While the village would like to keep its asphalt in pristine condition, Public Works Manager Christopher Birkett noted enforcement could be a challenge.
“This comes down to a policy issue,” Birkett said. “Who’s going to watch over this every day?”
Johnson suggested the Village Board consider creating an ordinance that clearly outlines the rights and responsibilities of a developer, property owners and the village itself.
“I think that would help so there are good roads,” Johnson said.
The board plans to further discuss the continued development of both subdivisions at future meetings. An opinion from the village’s legal counsel is being sought as the developer’s agreements are being reviewed.
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