Environmental Impact Commission

Posted in City of Danbury Town Clerk’s office on May 29, 2025 at 11:51 a.m. CITY OF DANBURY 155 DEER HILL AVENUE DANBURY, CONNECTICUT 06810 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT COMMISSION (203) 797-4525 www.danbury-ct.gov (203) 797-4586 (FAX) REGULAR MEETING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT COMMISSION MINUTES Web-Based Meeting Hosted on ZOOM Wednesday, May 14, 2025 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL: Chairman Matthew Rose called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present by roll call: Michael Flanagan, Gary Dufel, Mark Massoud, John Schwartz, and Elizabeth Falk. Staff present was Melissa Llera, Secretary, and Larry Liebman, Environmental Compliance Inspector. Chairman Rose seated alternate Gary Dufel for Cristina Britton. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Elizabeth Falk. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES: April 23, 2025 Motion to accept the minutes of April 23, 2025 as presented was made by Mark Massoud; seconded by Michael Flanagan. No remarks. All in favor with Ayes of those eligible to vote: Michael Flanagan, Gary Dufel, Mark Massoud, John Schwartz, Elizabeth Falk and Matthew Rose. Next regular meeting is scheduled for May 28, 2025. CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING: #1238 45 Saddle Rock Road, Soares, Abner; (E08017), RA-40 Zone, Construction of single family dwelling, along with deck and driveway Dainius Virbickas was present to represent the application. They have submitted the requested language for the conservation easement, so staff can review with Corporation Counsel. It was also requested to provide a demarcation for the wetland limits. They have provided updated drawings to show this. There are plantings and boulders on the wetland edge between the home and Saddle Rock Road, on the north end of the property, and on the reservoir side of EIC Minutes – May 14, 2025 Page 2 the property. They also proposed 3 placards for the conservation easement: one at the property line, one 50 ft. away, and a third 50 ft. from the second. Mr. Liebman informed Mr. Virbickas that he has not done a complete review of the revised plans. He has no objections to the demarcation features. Mr. Liebman requests a planting cost estimate from the applicant to assist in establishing the bond. In addition, he met with Corporation Counsel regarding the conservation easement language. He will be sending a revised document to Mr. Virbickas with changes requested by Corporation Counsel. He is also awaiting final comments on sizing of the piping from Engineering, but preliminary comments are positive. He recommends the public hearing is continued. Chairman Rose informed the Commission that the applicant has requested a 45 day extension for the public hearing. Motion to grant 45 day extension requested by applicant for Application No. 1238, 45 Saddle Rock Road, was made by John Schwartz; seconded by Michael Flanagan. All in favor with Ayes: Michael Flanagan, Gary Dufel, Mark Massoud, John Schwartz, Elizabeth Falk and Matthew Rose. Chairman Rose asked if anyone was present in support or opposition of the application; no one spoke. Motion to continue public hearing for Application No. 1238, 45 Saddle Rock Road, until the May 28, 2025 meeting was made by Mark Massoud; seconded by Michael Flanagan. All in favor with Ayes: Michael Flanagan, Gary Dufel, Mark Massoud, John Schwartz, Elizabeth Falk and Matthew Rose. OLD BUSINESS: #1241 128 Great Plain Road, Brito, Riceli, Ralph Gallagher Jr., Agent; (J07050), RA-20 Zone, Addition to existing dwelling Mr. Liebman informed the Commission that the applicant requested the matter be tabled. Chairman Rose adds that the applicant also requested a 65 day extension for the application. Motion to grant 65 day extension requested by applicant for Application No. 1241, 128 Great Plain Road, was made by John Schwartz; seconded by Michael Flanagan. All in favor with Ayes: Michael Flanagan, Gary Dufel, Mark Massoud, John Schwartz, Elizabeth Falk and Matthew Rose. Motion to table No. 1241, 128 Great Plain Road, until the next regularly scheduled meeting was made by Mark Massoud; seconded by Michael Flanagan. All in favor with Ayes: Michael Flanagan, Gary Dufel, Mark Massoud, John Schwartz, Elizabeth Falk and Matthew Rose. #1236 15A Mountainville Road, Besharat, William; (J18006), RA-80 Zone, Construction of single family dwelling, along with driveway, retaining walls, septic system, etc. Chairman Rose informed the Commission that the applicant requested the matter be tabled. Motion to table No. 1236, 15A Mountainville Road, until the next regularly scheduled meeting was made by Michael Flanagan; seconded by Elizabeth Falk. All in favor with Ayes: Michael Flanagan, Gary Dufel, Mark Massoud, John Schwartz, Elizabeth Falk and Matthew Rose. EIC Minutes – May 14, 2025 Page 3 #1237 5 Tarrywile Lake Road, Matera, Gene; (H17172), RA-20 Zone, Rear yard improvements including retaining walls, plantings, swimming pool, dock, etc. Chairman Rose informed the Commission that the applicant requested the matter be tabled. Motion to table No. 1237, 5 Tarrywile Lake Road, until the next regularly scheduled meeting was made by John Schwartz; seconded by Michael Flanagan. All in favor with Ayes: Michael Flanagan, Gary Dufel, Mark Massoud, John Schwartz, Elizabeth Falk and Matthew Rose. #1234 31 Moody Lane, Ferris, Percy, Sherwood, Robert, Agent; (I06001), RA-20 Zone, Creation of outdoor living space and shed, including terrace, retaining walls, shed, mitigation plantings, and stormwater management Rober Sherwood, landscape architect, was present to represent the application. He acknowledged receipt of the staff report with the conditions, and his client has no objections. Motion to approve No. 1234, 31 Moody Lane, per the staff report and all conditions contained within was made by Mark Massoud; seconded by Michael Flanagan. All in favor with Ayes: Michael Flanagan, Gary Dufel, Mark Massoud, John Schwartz, Elizabeth Falk and Matthew Rose. VIOLATIONS: 1. Notice of Violation: 196-200 Franklin Street Extension No discussion occurred on this violation. 2. Notice of Violation: 111 Coalpit Hill Road No discussion occurred on this violation. 3. Notice of Violation: 124 Franklin St Mr. Liebman informed the Commission that an inspection was performed on May 5, 2025, and determined that work being conducted was not in compliance with the Regulations. There was the following occurring: -grading and filling within a wetland -stockpiling of material and wood products -storage of equipment and building materials -grading, clearing and grubbing without the benefit of any permits -pushing of material into the wetland fringe adjacent to the watercourse The violator has been instructed to stop work on the property. OTHER MATTERS: 1. Working Group Updates EIC Minutes – May 14, 2025 Page 4 Elizabeth Falk informed the Commission that the next meeting will be Monday, May 19th at 4:30 p.m. in the Planning & Zoning Conference Room. They will be discussing the updates to the fees, description of each fee, and whether the fees will remain a part of the Regulations or become an Ordinance. ADJOURNMENT: Motion to adjourn was made by Mark Massoud; seconded by Michael Flanagan. All in favor with Ayes: Michael Flanagan, Gary Dufel, Mark Massoud, John Schwartz, Elizabeth Falk and Matthew Rose. Meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Melissa Llera Recording Secretary