Inland Wetlands Watercourse Agency

THE WEST HAVEN INLAND WETLANDS AGENCY HELD A PUBLIC INFORMATIONAL MEETING ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2021 AT WEST HAVEN CITY HALL, 355 MAIN STREET, WEST HAVEN, CT IN THE HARRIET NORTH ROOM 2ND FLOOR AT 6:30 P.M. DISCUSSION OF THE FLOODING ON WASHINGTON AVENUE SEPTEMBER 21, 2021 This will be an open forum for the public to discuss concerns regarding flooding, and only the flooding issues on Washington Avenue. There will be a one-time speaking rule with a five minute speaking limit. Attendees for the meeting will be Public Works Director and City Engineer. PRESENT: Commissioners Kane, Gilbane, Carr, Assistant City Planner Conniff, ZEO Hotchkiss and Director of Planning Soto Commissioner Kane explained the process for the public to speak tonight. There is five minute speaking rule. Mike Lipsett understands a local attorney is appealing the decision the Inland Wetland Agency . Mr. Lipsett is against it. There has been a flooding problem for many years. There were wetlands there that have been filled in. He wonders if the city can afford to fix this the right way. Scott Sciarpappa , 327 Washington Ave., stated the city did clean out the pipes four days after the meeting but it didn’t do anything. If the developer follows through, when is the city going to do anything. Tom McCarthy, Public Works Director, stated the apartment complex was very cooperative. He stated there are problems on Washington Avenue that have to be fixed no matter what goes in there. There has been cooperation between the city and the developer to fix this problem. The city is already looking at ways to fix it. Melissa Saint would like a resolution too and there are things they can do on their site to help. She is working with Public Works, the city and the neighbors and are willing to help and be part of the community. City Engineer Abdul Quadhir explained the pitch of the pipes at the apartment complex. He stated is goes uphill and it goes the wrong way. He explained the underground systems in the surrounding area such as CVS. Peck Avenue pipe was not cleaned out and it was not flowing down Peck. The water was just sitting there. Commissioner Kane stated the city is addressing the flow from Peck on down to Third Avenue. Public Works needs to lay out a plan to make it successful as well as going to DEEP for approvals. Mr. Soto stated any development going forwarded will be required to keep a certain amount of rainfall on site so it will dissipate on site rather than flowing into a channel. A new application is before the Planning and Zoning next week. ADJOURNED: 7:18 p.m. Commissioner Kane made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Commissioner Gilbane and passed.