Inland / Wetlands & Water Courses Agency

REGULAR MEETING OF THE INLAND WETLANDS AND WATERCOURSES AGENCY MIDDLETOWN CONNECTICUT JULY 3, 2018 A. Call to Order / Pledge of Allegiance The meeting was called to order at 7:11 PM with the Pledge of Allegiance. All members are voting members. Present: Commissioner Joseph Carta Commissioner Trevor Davis Commissioner David Pritchard Commissioner Jammie Middleton Commissioner Ken McClellan Commissioner Gabriel Russo (seated for Commissioner Whitney) Commissioner Kayleigh Pratt (seated for Commissioner Terrasi) Absent: Commissioner Robert Whitney Commissioner Fred Terrasi Commissioner Jennifer Greenberg Commissioner Constance Kisluk Commissioner Phil Nettis Commissioner Jack Pieper Staff: Michelle Ford, Zoning and Wetlands Enforcement Officer Public: 5 Members of the public B. Public Hearing 1. Proposed subdivision including grading and installation of lawn in the Upland Review Area on (Map 10, Lot 0028) on Ridgewood Road. Applicant/agent Sunwood Development Corp. c/o Joan C. Molloy, Esq. 18-06 Chairman Carta introduces the project. Bob Weiderman introduces himself for Sunwood Development and presents the project. They are proposing ten (10) lots on Ridgewood Road and four (4) lots on Talia’s Trail. Chairman Carta invites any members of the public to view the map because videographers were not present. Five (5) members of came up to view the map. Maps show four (4) lots within 100 foot Upland Review Area. Chairman Carta opens the meeting to members of the public.  Chris Gustafson of 609 Ridgewood Road asked if there would be sidewalks on Ridgewood Road.  Elizabeth Fredericks of 119 Goodman Drive asked about the sizes of the lots. Bill Wilson arrives at 7:20 PM and begins videotaping the meeting.  Joe Passenesi of 1006 Ridgewood Road states that he is not in favor of construction or development on Ridgewood Road as it would be killing wildlife, raping land, etc…. Chairman Carta asks if there are any concerns about wetlands.  Joe Passenesi restated his concerns for the wildlife.  Elizabeth Fredericks states she’s lived there for 30 years and worries about the wetlands. What’s happening in Westfield Section is horrible.  Janet Freimoth of 583 Ridgewood Road stated that she moved here 2 months ago because she likes space between neighbors. She asked if neighbors can purchase the land. Chairman Carta states that she would have to ask the landowner. Bob Weiderman states that sidewalks are a P&Z issue and states off-site improvements can’t be requested and they did not propose a sidewalk. The lot sizes are 0.4 acres on Ridgewood Road and ½ to ¾ acres on Talias Trail. The Chairman asks for discussion of the Agency. Commission McClellan states that medallions are ambiguous. Commissioner Davis asks about sidewalks on Ridgewood Road and Mile Lane and about cars. Bob Weiderman said there is six (6) acres set aside for open space as part of this application. A discussion ensues. Commissioner McClellan moves to close the public hearing. Commissioner Davis seconds the motion. The chair calls for the vote. The chair states the matter passes unanimously with 6 affirmative votes. Commissioner McClellan moves for approval with conditions that updated medallions be used and installed along the regulated area for 13 and 14 and a provision for fertilizer use be for Lots 13 and 14. Commissioner Russo seconds the motion. Commissioner Davis suggests additional conservation area. Commissioner McClellan states wetlands and 6 acres (10%) is already protected. Chairman Carta states that is a P&Z issue. The chair calls for the vote. The chair states the matter passes unanimously with 6 affirmative votes. C. Old Business 1. Continued: Proposed installation of two (2) hoop houses (28’ x 88’ each) and a carport (22’ x 30’) to be used for storage of farm equipment, vehicles and accessories within the upland review area at 1340 Country Club Road. Applicant/agent Jason & Jennifer Blakeslee 18-02 Staff reads Attorney Wilson’s email withdrawing the application as they are presently in the process of complying with requests from the P&Z Dept. in compliance with the Zoning Code. Once that matter is resolved, they will be in a better position to determine their needs at the property. D. New Business  1. Request for a one year extension to the wetlands permit #17-11 for a proposed commercial building, utilities and associated parking which will bring it to the maximum of ten (10) years. Applicant/agent DelFavero Designs, LLC 17-11 Staff states the need to table this application. Commissioner Davis moves to table. Commissioner McClellan seconds the motion. The chair calls for the vote. The chair states the matter passes unanimously with 6 affirmative votes. 2. Proposed regulated activities within the 100' regulated area for removal of existing debris for construction of 6 new self-storage buildings, parking lot, access drive, loading area and site utilities at 815 Newfield Street. Applicant/agent Middletown Development Partners, LLC 18-07 Jim Cassidy, Professional Engineer introduces the project. Chairman Carta asks for discussion. Commissioner McClellan states that residents are located across the wetlands and should have a public hearing because it’s in the public interest. Commissioner McClellan moves to schedule a public hearing for August 1, 2018. Commissioner Davis seconds the motion. The chair calls for the vote. The chair states the matter passes unanimously with 6 affirmative votes. 3. Proposed application for a multi-family housing development and parking (Phase II) within 100 feet of wetlands located at 534 Newfield Street. Applicant/agent Landmark Investment Group 18-08 Attorney Sherwood introduces the project. He explained the approval history and Phase I approval. He spoke about the project, discussion on permit extension and on approval with 50 feet URA in 2005. The Chairman asks the Commission if there is a need for a public hearing. Commissioner McClellan moved, seconded by Commissioner Kayleigh Pratt to accept application as Old Business for a proposed application for a multi-family housing development and parking (Phase II) within 100 feet of wetlands located at 534 Newfield Street. E. Agency Review None F. Reports of Officers and Committees and WEO Report Commissioner McClellan asked about Monarca Drive. Staff explained. The Chairman states that he stopped by the Public Works Dept. and told Director Russo that they want to know where the fill was going from Millbrook Road so we don’t have this issue again. G. Public Open Forum None H. Minutes – June 6, 2018 Commissioner McClellan moves for approval of the minutes of June 6, 2018. Commissioner Davis seconds the motion. The chair calls for the vote. The matter passes with 4 affirmative votes and 2 abstentions by Commissioners Russo and Middleton. I. Communication and Bills None J. Adjournment Commissioner Davis moves for adjournment at 8:34 PM. Motion was seconded by Commission McClellan. Respectfully submitted, Michelle Ford Zoning and Wetlands Enforcement Officer