FARMINGTON – Applications for the Willow Springs condominium project were approved Monday night by the planning board.

The board held a public hearing on the 67-unit condo project proposed at the site of the former dowel mill on Fairbanks Road. Few questions were asked by abutters and board members.

Farmington Land, LLC, owned by Byron Davis and William Marceau, previously appeared before the board but had to wait until the town accepted open space standards at a special town meeting last month to receive project approval.

Chairman Herbert York questioned the request for the 10-year permit but was assured that developers were making a long-term commitment to the project. It will develop in phases and they intend to construct the buildings as they are sold.

A condominium association will assume control of the property when 70 percent of the condos are sold or within seven years, Davis said.

A question of how taxes would be paid for the open space within the project was raised by board member Thomas Eastler. The selling price will be the assessed value for tax purposes and will include the owner’s share of the common area, Davis responded.

This summer, another housing development, Western Glen, was put on hold in August when developer Coastal Enterprises, Inc. chose to switch from rental apartments to a home-ownership project to be built at 389 Wilton Road.

Coming before the board Monday, John Egan of CEI said they had changed back to the original request for permits for rental housing. The plan includes one-story buildings with four apartments per building in six buildings. A private road will be built next to Healthquest Chiropractic Wellness Center where an empty, private home will be demolished making way for the road to weave in behind through wetland areas.

Trying to conserve the impact on the wetlands, Egan explained the road would narrow through one portion or about 150 feet. Board members expressed concern over the narrowing and felt that the amount of wetlands in the whole project would not exceed the Department of Environmental Protection’s standards if the road was kept at the same width.

The entrance from busy routes 2 and 4 was also questioned. Egan said he watched traffic during the late afternoon and determined a left-hand turn would require a full minute wait while a right hand turn could be easily accomplished. The view of traffic from the entrance was good both ways, he said.

A time for the board to walk over the property will be planned as part of the application process.

In other business, the board approved an application from the town for new construction of the West Farmington pump station pending acceptance of an agreement between the town and abutter Marvin Coolidge, who owns an auto body shop next to the site.