The Town of Victor Conservation Board reviewed the Bluestone Trail development proposal at its May 6 meeting, focusing on concerns regarding soil fill, conservation easements, and site preparation for the 59-unit multifamily townhouse project planned for 7200 Rawson Road.
Chair Pat Holman led the meeting, noting that while the board had previously walked the site and had no major comments at the time, questions have since arisen—particularly from a neighboring resident—about the composition and volume of fill material used and whether additional fill will be required. Holman said the board would seek clarification from the applicant, Morrell Builders, regarding both the quantity of any new fill and whether samples from previous fill placements could be provided.
Board member Tim Norman referenced the engineer’s preliminary report, which calls for compaction testing to ensure the fill is adequately settled to support roads and buildings. Pat Madison noted that earlier commercial development plans for the site had been reconsidered due to concerns over fill stability, but engineers have found the fill acceptable for residential construction.
A significant portion of the discussion centered on a proposed conservation easement in the northwest section of the property, which includes a delineated wetland. Norman recommended designating it as a “no-touch” easement to avoid disturbance, a suggestion supported by other board members. “Trying to mark two different types of easements is just not a path I suggest going down,” Norman said.
The board also discussed two water management areas on the site, presumed to be one detention and one retention pond, and agreed those areas should be properly marked to prevent unauthorized access or damage. The importance of clearly marking easement boundaries, especially for future commercial maintenance crews, was also emphasized. “Make it as straight as possible, make it easy to decipher,” Madison said, suggesting visual markers such as boulders or four-by-fours.
During public comment, questions were raised about the safety and testing of imported fill. Holman confirmed that fill testing would be certified by third-party labs and submitted to the town. He said the board would ask the planning board to ensure testing occurs, especially if new fill is brought in. “There seems to be a lot of questions around the fill in this particular site,” Holman said.
The board noted that engineers plan for building foundations to extend below the existing fill into subsoil. Madison added that past projects involving fill, such as at Antonelli Valley, have involved town oversight and, in some cases, required resolutions to authorize importation.
In other business, the board unanimously approved the minutes from its March 18 and April 1 meetings. Motions were made and seconded by Norman and Madison, with all in favor.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].