Redding Conservation Commission
P.O. Box 1028
Redding Center, Connecticut 06875-1028
RECEIVED NOVEMBER 24, 2008 @ 11:24 A.M.
Michele R. Grande, Redding Town Clerk
SPECIAL MEETING
MINUTES
Tuesday November 18, 2008
7:00 p.m. – Community Center
37 Lonetown Road
Present: David Pattee, Chairman; Jeremiah Ross; Frederick Schroeder; William Hill; Wallace Perlman.
Absent: Victor DeMasi; Joseph Beres
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m.
I. PUBLIC HEARING TO OPEN
Application #08-25, Reeda B. Harsch, (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 associates 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).
A request was made by the town attorney to read into the record a listing of all correspondence received to date relating to Application #08-25. Additionally, it was stated that Application #06-24 and its entire encompassed file will be part of the current record. The applicants were asked to make a complete presentation.
Neil Marcus, attorney for the applicant presented an overview of the objectives.
Wayne Jacobson of Spath Bjorklund Associates, engineers for the applicant, showed on the mapping where the units would be placed in relation to the Saugatuck River. He discussed the type of subsoil and safety measures to be built in when constructing the septics and rainwater drainage systems. Maintenance requirements for these systems were outlined. The location of the vernal pool area was identified and its sloping was noted.
Russ Slayback, a hydro geologist for the applicant, discussed the subsoil that the septics would be leaching into and breakdown of matter.
Members of the public were asked to speak. They included:
Tom Flagg
Cindy Smith
Henry Merritt
Raymond D’Angelo
Chris Kimball
Justin Hixon
Cindy Bakanas
Gene Connolly
Rick Hoag
They expressed concerns about the responsibility of monitoring the upkeep of the septic and drainage systems as outlined by the engineer, including the burden of its cost. A concern prevailed about the ability to keep the purity of the Saugatuck River, an important watershed supply, from being contaminated by septic accidents and pesticides. The density of the project would also increase traffic flow proportionately on Gallows Hill Road as well as Redding Road adding to pollution and deteriorating road surface.
Neil Marcus was permitted to address several of the issues the residents expressed.
The Public Hearing will be continued at the December 2, 2008 meeting.
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – Minutes of 11/04/08
On the motion of W. Perlman and the second of J. Ross, the Commission voted unanimously to approve the 11/04/08 Meeting Minutes. F. Schroeder abstained.
III. REGULATORY
Matthew Palmisano re violations at 113 Cross Highway. Discuss 9/2/08.
The property owner stated that the fence posts had been reset. The Zoning Enforcement Officer was notified and he will check it out for compliance.
Application #08-30, Martin Ortner, Trustee, Daniel Falls (agent), 10 Silversmith Lane. To receive and discuss an application for septic replacement within the regulated area.
Daniel Falls was present. He presented a new drawing. He reported the present septic system is right on the wetlands. The new proposed system is to be moved as far away from the wetlands as is possible. A site inspection was scheduled for Saturday, 11/22/08 at 9:00 a.m.
IV. DISCUSSION
Discussion of Open Space Plan.
D. Pattee and F. Schroeder plan to attend the meeting on 11/19/08
V. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
D. Pattee and J. Ross attended the CACIWC Annual Meeting on 11/8/08. A point that was made at the meeting regarded the importance of the use of two experts in an application decision.
On the motion of W. Hill, the meeting adjourned at 10.20 p.m.
Submitted by,
Susan Henderson
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