Environmental Impact Commission

Posted in City of Danbury Town Clerk’s office on June 12, 2025 at 2:55 p.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 28, 2025 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL: Chairman Matthew Rose called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present by roll call: Mark Massoud, Gary Dufel, Michael Flanagan, Geoff Herald, 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 Geoff Herald. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES: May 14, 2025 Motion to accept the minutes of May 14, 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. Geoff Herald abstained since he was not present on May 14, 2025. Next regular meeting is scheduled for June 11, 2025. CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING: Motion to continue public hearing for Application No. 1238, 45 Saddle Rock Road, was made by Mark Massoud; seconded by Michael Flanagan. All in favor with Ayes: Michael Flanagan, Gary Dufel, Mark Massoud, John Schwartz, Elizabeth Falk, Geoff Herald, and Matthew Rose. EIC Minutes – May 28, 2025 Page 2 #1238 45 Saddle Rock Road, Soares, Abner; (E08017), RA-40 Zone, Construction of single family dwelling, along with deck and driveway Dainius Virbickas, professional engineer with Artel Engineering, was present to represent the application. They have worked with staff and Corporation Counsel on revising the language of the Conservation Easement. They also added more plantings to the plan as requested by staff. They received the staff report with the noted conditions, and find them acceptable. Mr. Liebman informed the Commission that he spoke with City of Danbury Public Utilities Department regarding the well noted on the plan. They confirmed with Aquarion and their records that the well was abandoned, and it does not serve anyone. As one of the conditions, he has requested that this be reflected on the plan from Mr. Virbickas. He also mentions the Commission could add a condition regarding fees to be paid for compliance inspections. Mark Massoud is in agreement with the addition of a condition for the compliance inspection fees. Chairman Rose asked if anyone was present in support or opposition; no one spoke. Motion to close public hearing for Application No. 1238, 45 Saddle Rock Road, was made by Geoff Herald; seconded by Michael Flanagan. All in favor with Ayes: Michael Flanagan, Gary Dufel, Mark Massoud, John Schwartz, Elizabeth Falk, Geoff Herald, and Matthew Rose. Motion to open Application No. 1238, 45 Saddle Rock Road, for voting session was made by Geoff Herald; seconded by Mark Massoud. All in favor with Ayes: Michael Flanagan, Gary Dufel, Mark Massoud, John Schwartz, Elizabeth Falk, Geoff Herald, and Matthew Rose. Motion to approve Application No. 1238, 45 Saddle Rock Road, with 15 conditions was made by Geoff Herald; seconded by Michael Flanagan. Fourteen conditions as noted in staff report, and the fifteenth condition being “Prior to the start of construction, the applicant shall submit $300.00 for three compliance inspections. Should additional inspections be required, a fee of $100 per inspection shall be assessed.” All in favor with Ayes: Michael Flanagan, Gary Dufel, Mark Massoud, John Schwartz, Elizabeth Falk, Geoff Herald, and Matthew Rose. OLD BUSINESS: #1241 128 Great Plain Road, Brito, Riceli, Ralph Gallagher Jr., Agent; (J07050), RA-20 Zone, Addition to existing dwelling Chairman Rose informed the Commission that the applicant requested the matter be tabled. Motion to table No. 1241, 128 Great Plain 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, Geoff Herald, 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. EIC Minutes – May 28, 2025 Page 3 Motion to table No. 1236, 15A Mountainville Road, until the next regularly scheduled meeting was made by Mark Massoud; seconded by Geoff Herald. All in favor with Ayes: Michael Flanagan, Gary Dufel, Mark Massoud, John Schwartz, Elizabeth Falk, Geoff Herald, and Matthew Rose. #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 Michael Flanagam; seconded by Mark Massoud. All in favor with Ayes: Michael Flanagan, Gary Dufel, Mark Massoud, John Schwartz, Elizabeth Falk, Geoff Herald, and Matthew Rose. VIOLATIONS: 1. Notice of Violation: 196-200 Franklin Street Extension Mr. Liebman informed the Commission that he spoke with CCA, LLC. They will be sampling the sediment soon. 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 he has not received the signed card back from the certified mailing. If it is not received soon, the Notice of Violation will then be served via sheriff. 4. Notice of Violation: 18 Spruce Mountain Road Mr. Liebman informed the Commission that an inspection was performed by Health and Zoning departments. It was found that a patio was built in the wetlands, a footbridge was constructed, and there was grading performed. The homeowner has come in to begin the process to correct this. They have hired a soil scientist to flag the wetlands to start the process. OTHER MATTERS: 1. Working Group Updates Elizabeth Falk informed the Commission that the next meeting will be Monday, June 2nd at 4 pm in the Planning & Zoning Conference Room. At the prior meeting, they decided to keep the fees in the Regulations versus an ordinance, but possibly moving them to an EIC Minutes – May 28, 2025 Page 4 appendix for ease of finding. Ms. Falk requests the members review the current Regulations and model regulations that were sent prior to the next meeting. 2. Permit Transfer- #1227 124-130 Brushy Hill Road, Michael J. Mazzucco to DSB Building Development LLC Motion to transfer EIC permit# 1227, 124-130 Brushy Hill Road from Michael J. Mazzucco to DSB Building Development LLC was made by Geoff Herald; seconded by Elizabeth Falk. All in favor with Ayes: Michael Flanagan, Gary Dufel, Mark Massoud, John Schwartz, Elizabeth Falk, Geoff Herald, and Matthew Rose. CORRESPONDENCE: Geoff Herald informed the Commission that he has been working with Marge Gallo to schedule planting of the tree at the Danbury Museum on Main Street in honor of Bernie Gallo. ADJOURNMENT: Motion to adjourn was made by Geoff Herald; seconded by Michael Flanagan. All in favor with Ayes: Michael Flanagan, Gary Dufel, Mark Massoud, John Schwartz, Elizabeth Falk, Geoff Herald, and Matthew Rose. Meeting adjourned at 7:18 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Melissa Llera Recording Secretary