Redding Conservation Commission
P.O. Box 1028
Redding Center, Connecticut 06875-1028
MINUTES
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
7:00 p.m. – 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 7:03 p.m.
I. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONTINUE
Application #08-25, Reeda B. Harsche, (owner), Three Levels Corporation (agent), 626 Redding Road. Received 8/5/08. Public Hearing on an application for “Riverbend”, an affordable housing project on 14.19 acres pursuant to C.G.S. Section 8-30g. for the approval of a License for the construction of ten (10) units including the location of sealed pipes serving a subsurface waste disposal structure and related earth disturbing activities associated therewith upslope from the Saugatuck River and within 500’ of the high water line of a vernal pool as regulated pursuant to Section 2.23c of the Regulations. Project activity involves ten (10) proposed dwellings, (13 housing units). Discussion 8/19/08. Public Hearing opened 9/16/08.
Mr. Harsche was present along with Wayne Jacobsen, Atty. Neil Marcus and an associate from Leggette, Brashears & Graham. Atty. Peter Olson, Counsel for the Conservation Commission, was also in attendance.
D. Pattee noted receipt of comments and drawings dated 10/6/08 from the applicant; a letter dated 9/29/08 from Aquarion and a letter dated 10/7/08 from the State of CT Dept. of Public Health. All new information will be available for public review on 10/8/08 at the Old Town House at 8:30 a.m.
N. Marcus reviewed newly submitted items and responded verbally to the letter from Aquarion. D. Pattee reiterated that the Conservation Commission purview does not include C.G.S. Section 8-30g.
W. Jacobsen from Spath-Bjorklund Associates detailed the new information submitted including plan changes as detailed on maps D-4 and D-1 dated 10/7/08. N. Marcus responded verbally to a question from J. Bonsignore asked at the last hearing. Mr. Marcus stated that they “are not doing anything on Route 53.” D. Pattee reviewed the Dept. of Public Health letter.
G. Connolly noted his concerns including pervious surface and emergency exit. Chris Kimball stated his concern re: pollutants in Saugatuck River from kitchen sinks. Cindy Smith reported on the difference between insurance and bonding. D. Pattee stated that the stipulated judgment is for Zoning to have a capital fund, not a bond. R. D’Angelo of the Redding Preservation Society recommended a traffic study and urged the applicant to reconsider and reduce the density of this project. C. Bakanas asked when the applicant will respond to the issues raised in the report from Milone & MacBroom. J. Hixson read and submitted a transcribed portion of the prior application. N. Marcus responded to these comments.
The Public Hearing will continue on 10/21/08 at 7:00 p.m.
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES -Minutes of 9/16/08
On the motion of J. Ross and the Second of W. Perlman, the Commission voted unanimously to approve the 9/16/08 Meeting Minutes.
III. REGULATORY
Matthew Palmisano re: violations at 113 Cross Highway. Discussion 9/2/08.
D. Pattee noted receipt of an email dated 10/7/08 stating that the surveyor has marked the property line and a new fence will be installed by Main Line Fencing. C. Keil will contact Mr. Palmisano to determine if the marking is visible at the requested intervals. An email will be sent to Commissioners re: inspection and fence removal.
Application #08-29, John and Jenny Lambrech (owners), Smith Ridge Properties, LLC (agent), 336 Newtown Turnpike. Received 9/16/08. Discussion and possible vote on an application for installation of three (3) vertical artesian wells to be used for Geothermal HVAC system.
A representative of Smith Ridge Properties was present for the applicant. D. Pattee reviewed correspondence from B. Flanagan re: ongoing silt deposition. The preferred construction sequence and staged construction schedule were reviewed. Stabilization methods were discussed and requested.
On the motion of V. DeMasi and the second of W. Perlman, the Commission voted unanimously to approve Application #08-29.
IV. DISCUSSION
Discussion of Open Space Plan.
The Public Hearing on the Town Plan of Conservation & Development is scheduled for 10/14/08 at the Town Hall. Per F. Schroeder, the maps will be ready for that meeting.
Discussion of Scenic Easement at #3 Charlie Hill Road, Garavel.
G. Connolly, present for the Redding Land Trust, clarified the Land Trust request of the Conservation Commission to join in asserting the provision to uphold the Scenic Easement.
On the motion of V. DeMasi and the second of J. Beres, the Commission voted unanimously to write a letter to the Planning Commission in support of upholding the Scenic Easement.
V. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
J. Ross attended a meeting re: Georgetown Streetscape. The planned regulated activities will be brought before this Commission.
Health Dept. signage re: tick warnings were reviewed. The Commission concurred that signs should not be placed on town-owned open spaces.
J. Beres noted the need for silt fence and erosion controls on Wood Road due to town paving project.
D. Pattee noted receipt of a memo from G. Scholl re: 10/14/08 meeting at the Wilton Library, 7:00 p.m.
D. Pattee and J. Ross will be attending the CACIWC annual meeting on 11/8/08. Anyone interested in attending should contact C. Keil.
On the motion of V. DeMasi and the second of F. Schroeder, the Commission voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 9:45 p.m.
Submitted by:
Kristi C. Reilly
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