Redding Conservation Commission
P.O. Box 1028
Redding Center, Connecticut 06875-1028
MINUTES
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
700 p.m. – Redding Community Center
Present: David Pattee, Chairman; Jeremiah Ross; William Hill; Frederick Schroeder; Joseph Beres; Victor DeMasi; Wallace Perlman.
Also present: Natalie Ketcham, First Selectman
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
I. PUBLIC HEARING TO OPEN
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. 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.
Mr. Harsche was present along with Attorney Neil Marcus, Steve Jacobsen of Spath Bjorklund and Russ Slayback of Leggette, Brashears and Graham. Conservation Commission Counsel Peter Olson of Robinson & Cole was also present.
D. Pattee noted that information from the prior application will be made part of this record. The Notice of the Public Hearing was read into the record. Mr. Pattee reported that reports from Commission consultants Land Tech Consultants and Milone & MacBroom were received tonight. Copies were distributed to the applicant and the Public Hearing will continue on October 7, 2008.
Atty. Neil Marcus submitted certified letter receipts. Mr. Marcus reviewed the reasons for denial of the previous application. Wayne Jacobsen displayed drawings and reviewed changes in the drainage system and Units 3, 6 and 10. R. Slayback responded to Items 2 and 3 of the Commission’s reasons for denial.
J. Ross noted that the vernal pool report was not done by Michael Klemens. N. Marcus responded that a new consultant was chosen for a second opinion.
Information comparing new recommendations re: vernal pool to the recommendations made by M. Klemens was requested.
It was noted that Page 5 of the Traffic Report is omitted from the report.
D. Pattee requested information regarding the number of septic systems for the record. F. Schroeder requested a written response to the Milone & MacBroom report.
E. Sherrick noted his concern regarding proposed use of sealants for the septic system. G. Connolly noted his concerns including the inappropriate density for development near a watershed. H. Hawthorn questioned the location of utilities and emergency egress. D. Pattee noted receipt of a letter from J. Bonsignore that has been made part of the record along with photographs. C. Kimball reviewed his interpretation of Item 6. Re: lesser density plan. C. Bakanas questioned whether the previous plan is part of this application. M. Dagostino noted his concerns re: protection of the environment. C. Smith questioned the safeguard for maintaining affordable housing in relation to Redding Woods. N. Marcus and D. Pattee stated that there was no covenant in place and the safeguards did
not withstand scrutiny.
C. Kimball requested clarification of 8-30g. Atty. Olson clarified the intent of 8-30g and reiterated that it does not pertain to this application.
N. Marcus responded to several questions and concerns of the public.
The Public Hearing will continue at the October 7, 2008 meeting to be held at 7:00 p.m. at the Community Center.
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES -Minutes of 9/2/08
Site Inspection Minutes 9/9/08 – Cafasso, 19 Long Ridge Road
On the motion of J. Ross and the second of W. Perlman, the Commission voted unanimously to approve the 9/2/08 Minutes as amended: Page 2, first line, second sentence, change to “He submitted a photograph and a revised drawing which were reviewed.”; Page 2, under “Matthew Palmisano”, second sentence, change to “D. Pattee reviewed the 8/25/08 letter from the Conservation Commission and a letter from the Conservation Land Committee.”
On the motion of W. Perlman and the second of D. Pattee, the Commission voted unanimously to approve the 9/9/08 Site Walk Minutes.
III. REGULATORY
Application #08-28, Paul and Dolores Cafasso, 19 Long Ridge Road. Received 9/2/08. Discussion and possible vote on an application to repair septic system within 100’ feet from an existing pond. Site Walk 9/9/09.
Dean Martin from Grumman Engineering was present. Site Walk findings were reviewed.
On the motion of W. Perlman and the second of J. Ross, the Commission voted unanimously to approve Application #08-28.
Matthew Palmisano re violations at 113 Cross Highway. Discussion 9/2/09.
D. Pattee reported that per Mr. Palmisano’s attorney, the area is being surveyed to determine placement of a new fence. Discussion will continue pending receipt of the survey.
Application #08-29, John and Jenny Lambrech (owners), Smith Ridge Properties, LLC (agent), 336 Newtown Turnpike. To receive and discuss an application for installation of three (3) vertical artesian wells to be used for Geothermal HVAC system.
Craig Lenihan was present for the applicant. The proposal was reviewed. Mr. Lenihan reviewed the new sediment and erosion plan. Discussion will continue at the next meeting.
IV. DISCUSSION
Discussion of Open Space Plan.
Presentation was made on 9/15/08. A Public Hearing is scheduled for 10/14/08. Final changes will be completed this week. F. Schroeder was commended for his work on this project.
V. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
D. Pattee provided an update on the Garavel property.
The annual CACIWC meeting will be held on 11/7/08.
On the motion of V. DeMasi and the second of J. Ross, the Commission voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 8:50 p.m.
Submitted by: Kristi C. Reilly
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