Lebanon — Tensions between developer Doug Homan and city Planning Board members bubbled over on Wednesday, as the two sides met for the 18th time to review the proposed Carter Country Club subdivision.

Both Homan and board members agreed the preliminary review, which began more than a year ago, needs to be concluded. But the parties blame each other for the slow pace.

City officials said Homan took time to provide necessary information about the project, while he argued the city set a “moving target” that’s difficult to hit.

Homan objected on Wednesday night when board members began to use the meeting to read feedback from the public about the proposed subdivision.

“I’m offended that I have to sit here and read emails like that,” Homan said, according to an audio recording of the meeting.

He said it made more sense for city staff to review the letters and report back to the board members.

“I’m sorry, but it’s gotten to the point, as far as I’m concerned, that it’s ridiculous that you’re making me do it again,” he said, referencing a July 26 meeting when board members read letters following a public hearing.

Board members replied that it’s important to recognize each letter and spent about 20 minutes quietly reviewing correspondence dating back to January.

Homan has proposed building 283 single-family homes on a 300-acre parcel off of Buckingham Place and Slayton Hill Road. A preliminary review from the Planning Board is one of the first regulatory hurdles for the project, and it hasn’t gone easily.

Neighbors oppose the possible disruption of what has traditionally been a large tract of woodlands, and the Planning Board has been deliberate in its monthly meetings dedicated to the proposal.

Homan isn’t alone is being disgruntled with the review, however. Planning Board member Carl Porter attempted to move the process along on Wednesday, encouraging the group to compile a final list of what is required from Homan to complete the process.

“We need to make a determination tonight what information is left, how much time we need to collect that information, digest the information and go over said information so we can make our determination,” Porter told the board in the audio recording. “This has been going on for 18 months.”

Board members determined they are still waiting on details of how the project would impact school bus routes. They also hope to complete studies on water, sewer lines and drainage.

Sorting that out didn’t put a stop to the contention, however. During the proceedings, the board indicated it might request a peer-reviewed study of drainage plans.

“Eighteen months into this now, and you’re talking about peer review for the drainage?” Homan asked.

An initial drainage study was included in the project’s early filings, he said. Homan said that over time his project engineers had provided answers from city staff about drainage.

“We’ve completed the information we believe (the city) requested and this is the first time that I’ve heard of a peer review for drainage, 18 months into this process,” he said.

Lebanon Planning Director David Brooks defended the city’s process.

He said that the possibility of the peer review was raised during meetings this spring, according to notes Brooks took at the time.

Since Homan supplied answers to the last of the city’s questions just last week, it’s now time for the board to consider further review, Brooks said.

Later in the meeting, City Engineer Christina Hall requested more information from Homan needed to complete a sewer study. Again, the developer disagreed.

“Obviously these plans have been provided on an ongoing basis. As we’ve done adjustment, the board has received those plans,” Homan said. “What (Hall) is asking for is to do a new set, a full new set of plans to provide her every time we make a change.”

Homan ultimately agreed to provide the city with the information the board is seeking. Planning Board members said they hope to hold a few more hearings on the project before deciding whether it’s ready for a full site plan review.

“I really think that we need to put all this together as best we can and we need to know right off the bat what the points of controversy are,” board member Kenneth Morley said.

The board will next meet to discuss the subdivision at 6 p.m. on Jan. 25 at City Hall.

Tim Camerato can be reached at tcamerato@vnews.com.