Board hears of progress on Orchard Hill repairs
By Ken Powers Contributing Writer

Westborough - Residents of Orchard Hill told the Planning Board at its Nov. 20 meeting that progress is being made on necessary repairs to the development by the builder.

The latest issue in the ongoing saga of the over-55 condominium development has been the report of basement flooding by several residents of the Imperial Court section of the development.

Alan Dodd, the attorney representing Orchard Hill developer Steven Venincasa, said that improvements have been made to the buildings that have alleviated the flooding and he asked for comments from Sid Tyner, who lives at 5 Imperial Court, the structure most affected by the flooding.

"Steve and I got together about four weeks ago and talked about the problems back by my unit and what might help and he suggested gutters and downspouts," Tyner said. "On Nov. 12 Steve came out and put gutters and downspouts on the building and a runoff out from the house. In the storms since then I have had no problems."

Tyner, who was one of about a dozen residents present at the public hearing on the matter, said that Venincasa told him if the gutters and downspouts and runoff s didn't work, Venincasa would try something else to solve the problem.

"But so far, two storms, no water, so I know it's helped," Tyner said. "I don't how it will be during those bad winter storms, but right now it's helped the situation and I'm glad to see it."

Greg DiPasquale, of 3 Imperial Court, one of three other buildings where Venincasa installed gutters, downspouts and runoff s, said he has seen a marked improvement as well.

"I have also noticed success since the gutters have been put in," DiPasquale said. "I'm going to wait until spring before I make a final judgment, but I'm happy to say I've been very pleased so far."

John Ritchie, of 7 Gilmore Farm Road, president of the Orchard Hill Condominium Association, warned that the installation of the gutters, downspouts and runoff s may only be a short-term solution.

Referencing a letter dated Oct. 2, from Noblin Associates, LLC, of Dover, N.H., a consulting engineering firm, Ritchie said more extensive work may be required for a long-term solution.

"In their letter, Noblin said the installation of the gutters and downspouts is part of the fix, but only part of the fix," Ritchie said. "They believe more excavation of the exterior foundation and the installing of a properly designed sub-surface draining system needs to be done. If that's cost prohibitive, consideration should be given to the installation of an interior perimeter drain tied into a sump pump on a battery pack.

"We all have great hope that the drains and gutters will solve the problem, but at least one engineer doesn't think it does," Ritchie said. "And I think it's good to hear that people's minds are open that further mitigation may be necessary."

Skip Ashton, Planning Board vice chair, said he was pleased to see continued headway made to the list of repairs necessary at the condominium complex.

"I think we all realize that a lot of progress has been made and that we're close to finishing that list of repairs," Ashton said. "I think we all want to wrap this up and move on to the next phase of construction, where we have plenty of other things to discuss."

The public hearing was continued to Tuesday Dec. 4 at 7:40 p.m.