FLEMING - The Fleming Town Council effectively halted a townhouse development in front of a capacity crowd at the municipal building Monday night.

More than 75 showed for a public hearing on the proposed Mallards Crossing and pleaded for further consideration from town officials.

Heightened demand for Owasco Lake access and increased runoff topped a list of resident worries.

“I think we're going too fast with this thing,” lifetime town resident Robert Body said. “Once it goes in you can't change it.”

The board defeated a six-month building moratorium 3-2 before unanimously denying preliminary approval for the proposal by Thomas and Christine Izzo, who were in attendance.

The quality of lake water has deteriorated due to algae growth fueled by excess nutrients entering the waterway. A study in progress indicates development is a part of the problem along with factors such as discharge from a wastewater treatment plant in Groton. “We are on the cusp of killing the lake,” West Lake Road resident George Hiza said, reflecting a common sentiment to protect the watershed.

Engineers argued the development would actually improve drainage and raise tax revenue. In addition to upgrades to water and sewer service, a storm water system would be added.

The $2.8 million project includes 75 percent greenspace, an improvement on a site that currently hosts the West Lake Manufactured Home Village, said engineer Shannon Walters, who works for the Izzos.

Residents were audibly wary of the absence of plans for lake access via 90 feet of frontage the Izzos own on neighboring property. A subdivision of single-family homes named Lakewood Landing is planned for that 15 acres of land.

Poplar Cove resident Kathryn Cappella Hankins suggested taking an inventory of structures in the lake district and fixing problems that already exist in the area.

“We have the right to a quality lake,” she said. “It's not coming from Groton; it's our own backyard and we've got to clean up our own backyard before you go adding development.”

Others agreed, suggesting the board should take more time with the plans initiated about a year ago.

“There is no demonstrated need for this housing that I'm aware of,” West Lake Road resident Norma Leone said. “It's a beautiful area and we'd like to maintain the character of the area.”

Mobile home park residents also weighed in.

“I've lived there for nine years and I want to know where are the people going to go?” park resident Tiffinny Chapman said. “What's going to happen to us?”

The Izzos, who had been waiting for the preliminary approval to move forward with planning for the project, have a purchase option on the property. After the meeting, attorney Norman Chirco said they would consider their options before deciding on the next step.

Staff writer Shane Liebler can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 248 or shane.liebler@lee.net