Why town officials are pushing $11.5 million Route 1 sewer project

The proposed sewer project is being presented jointly by the Selectboard and the York Sewer District trustees. They held a public hearing Oct. 16 with

Town Manager Peter Joseph laying out the project in a presentation.

Joseph said the proposed project has been in the works for the last three to four years. The project would extend the sewer north from Route 1 near Stonewall Kitchen to Old Post Road, where it would connect with a sewer main. The sewer would also extend down Donica Road, where some residents have complained of water run-off impacting their septic systems.

Joseph said if properties along Route 1 connected to the town sewer, it would stop the potential for septic failures and overflows. He said any overflows into the river bring human waste and chemicals “straight to the beach.”

“(It) has a pretty good chance of impacting the coastal economy,” Joseph said.

Joseph also said the economic development opportunities are significant. He said currently, property owners are required to keep significant space on their lot reserved for complicated septic systems. Adding sewer would open the area up for new building.

The Selectboard considered putting the project before voters during their previous budget season but decided it needed more input from the public.

That led to the formation of the Sewer Extension Advisory Committee, which includes numerous stakeholders from elected officials to residents and business owners.

Selectboard Chair Todd Frederick said the sewer extension is also in the town’s Comprehensive Plan that was approved by voters in May.