INLAND WETLANDS COMMISSION
MINUTES
Regular Meeting of April 13, 2011 at 7:30 pm
Council Chambers, Municipal Center, 3 Primrose Street, Newtown, CT
Commissioners Present: Curran, Kotch, Peters, Pieragostini and Salling
Staff Present: Rob Sibley, Deputy Director of Planning and Land Use and Tammy Hazen, Clerk
Commissioner Peters convened the meeting at 7:31 pm.
PENDING APPLICATIONS
IW #11-13 31 Swamp Road, Todd Bolmer. Application for the removal of a violation. Application to restore a wetland and upland review area.
John Mack from Stuart Somers in Southbury, representing the applicant, explained Site Plan S/1 dated 2/15/11 that illustrates the movement of a current gravel road that is along the wetlands, the removal of debris, and delineation of the wood cutting area with a stone wall.
Commissioner Peters stated concerns over the gravel road still being so near the wetlands. Commissioner Salling stated that it is an enormous amount of disturbance and the new road would still be invading the review area. She feels the entire driveway should be eliminated and an alternate route be found. Mr. Mack said it is the only access way for the applicant to get his motorcycles into the basement. Commissioner Salling said the commission cannot take personal reasons in consideration and that the wetlands are the commission’s only concern. Commissioner Peters agreed stating that use or access to a basement is not a valid reason to disturb the wetlands. Commissioner Kotch asked how long the gravel road has been there. Mr. Bolmer said approximately 30 years. The applicant and
commissioners discussed other options and other ways to access the basement. The commission felt the disturbed areas should be reforested. The applicant will return to the next meeting.
OTHER BUSINESS
Tech Park Conservation Easement – The commission reviewed a letter that Commissioner Curran drafted to EDC requesting a submission of the written conservation restrictions that will oversee the 11.6 acre Conservation Easement that was granted. Ms. Hazen will send the letter to the Economic Development Commission.
Approval of Minutes - Commissioner Kotch motioned to approve the minutes of March 23, 2011. Motion seconded by Commissioner Salling. The minutes were approved as amended.
Commissioner Pieragostini motioned to adjourn the meeting at 8:15 pm. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Salling. The motion was approved unanimously.
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