Redding Conservation Commission
P.O. Box 1028
Redding Center, Connecticut 06875-1028
MINUTES
Tuesday, April 4, 2006
7:30 p.m. - Community Room at the Community Center
Present: David Pattee, Chairman; Jeremiah Ross; William Hill; Frederick Schroeder; Joseph Beres; Victor DeMasi; Wallace Perlman.
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
I. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONTINUE
Application #06-01, Reeda B. Harsche (owner), Three Levels Corporation (agent), 626 Redding Road. Received 1/17/06. An application for "Riverbend", an Affordable Housing Project on 14.19 acres consisting of 33 units, ten of which to be affordable. Site Walk 1/18/06. Public Hearing opened 3/7/06; continued 3/21/06.
Mr. Harsche was present along with Atty. Neil Marcus, Wayne Jacobson from Spath-Bjorklund Associates, Russ Slayback from Leggette, Brashears & Graham and Eric Davison from Environmental Planning Services. After a brief introduction by Atty. Marcus, Mr. Jacobson addressed questions and comments from the 3/21/06 meeting in detail. A written form of the responses was submitted to the Commission.
D. Pattee requested an extension. Atty. Marcus granted a two-week extension. A letter to this effect will be forwarded to the Commission.
Many members of the public were in attendance. Ray D'Angelo read a letter on behalf of the Redding Preservation Society noting that no formal application has been filed with DEP re: septic permit. Linda Fitzgerald noted her concern re: vernal pool and suggested that the Commission hire a consulting hydrogeologist. D. Pattee clarified that the Conservation Commission does not have control over groundwater. John Bonsignore displayed photographs of floods as printed in the Redding Pilot and read a letter from engineer Paul Taormina. A resident from Gallows Hill Road expressed concern regarding the upland wetlands. Holly Hawthorne noted her ongoing concerns.
Diane Knapp submitted photographs and expressed concern re: wells. She also requested information on submitting a notice of intervention.
Diane Hack questioned why the town is channeling dirt and runoff into the vernal pool. D. Pattee directed her to the Highway Department. Justin Hixson noted his concerns and changes in town. Russ Prince questioned how the project could be built without affecting the wetlands. Mr. Steitzel questioned the use of fire tanks. Dave Lovalvo noted his concern regarding the construction of wells and possibility of poor results during monitoring.
W. Hill noted his concern regarding the proposed removal of 20,000 cubic yards of fill. F. Schroeder asked when a final decision was expected from the DEP.
The Public Hearing will be continued at the next meeting.
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES -Meeting of 3/21/06
-Site Walk Minutes 3/26/06-P. Hurlbut, 12 Mallory Lane
On the motion of W. Perlman and the second of F. Schroeder, the Commission
voted unanimously to approve the 3/21/06 Meeting Minutes as amended: Page 3, first item under "Chairman's Report", change to: "F. Schroeder reported on a recent email from the CT Forest and Parks Association about connecting trail systems on state land with Ground Pine Sanctuary.
On the motion of W. Perlman and the second of D. Pattee, the Commission voted unanimously to approve the 3/26/06 Site Walk Minutes.
III. REGULATORY
Ronald Mangini, 78 George Hull Hill Road. To discuss details of the remediation plan submitted to the Commission. Discussion 10/4/05; 11/15/05; 12/20/05.
No new information. D. Pattee reported on proposed penalties for tree cutting in easement areas in terms of tree replacement value.
Application #06-07, Paul Hurlbut, 12 Mallory Lane. Received 3/21/06. Discussion and possible vote on an application to add bedroom and finish area above garage with new staircase and entryway within the regulated area. Site Walk 3/26/06.
Mr. Hurlbut was present. He will submit an amended site plan inclusive of sediment and erosion controls, accessway for construction equipment and location of proposed driveway extension.
On the motion of J. Ross and the second of W. Perlman, the Commission voted unanimously to approve Application #06-07.
Application #06-08, Town of Redding, 72 Topstone Road. To receive and discuss an application to Hydrorake Topstone Park pond.
Rob Blick was present. He reviewed the proposal. Discussion will continue at the next meeting.
Application #06-09, James H. Gill (owner), Sharon Y. Gawes (agent), 304 Black Rock Turnpike. To receive and discuss an application to repair a septic system within the regulated area.
Mr. Gill and Sharon Gawes were present. The application was reviewed.
On the motion of W. Perlman and the second of J. Ross, the Commission voted unanimously to approve Application #06-09 on an emergency basis.
Application #06-10, Maureen Grimaldi, 22 Hopewell Woods Road. To receive and discuss an application to construct an accessory apartment within the regulated area.
M. Grimaldi and her architect, Dominic Cartelli were present. The drawing and
proposal were reviewed. A site walk was scheduled for Fri., 4/7/06 at 5:45 p.m. Ms. Grimaldi was requested to stake the corners of the proposed addition.
IV. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
D. Pattee introduced the new Commission Counsel, Ted O'Hanlon.
Tim Abbott will be speaking at the Saving Natural Redding talk on invasive species on 5/4/06, location TBA. $50 will be allotted from the Open Space budget.
F. Schroeder reported on the invasive species removal at Saugatuck Falls on 5/20/06, 9:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.
J. Ross reported on recent Merritt 7 litigation.
On the motion of V. DeMasi and the second of J. Ross, the Commission voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 10:30 p.m.
Submitted by:
Kristi C. Reilly
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