TOWN OF OLD SAYBROOK
Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission
302 Main Street Old Saybrook, Connecticut 06475-1741
MINUTES
PUBLIC HEARING – “THE PRESERVE”
THURSDAY, December 1, 2005 at 7:30 p.m.
OLD SAYBROOK MIDDLE SCHOOL
60 SHEFFIELD SREET
CALL TO ORDER- Acting Chairman, Paul Smith, called the public hearing to order at 7:30 p.m. at the Old Saybrook Middle School.
ROLL CALL
Attendant Members Absent Members
Paul Smith, Vice Chairman Brendan McKeown, Alt. Member
Robert McIntyre, Planning Rep.
William Pollock, Regular Member
Kevin Zawoy, Regular Member
Judy Preston, Conservation Rep.
Charles Sohl, Zoning Representative
Frank Reichart, Economic Development Rep.
Kim Gallagher, Alternate Member
Town Staff and Consultants
Damon Hearne, Acting Clerk
Geoffrey Jacobson, Consulting Civil Engineer
Kati Drzewianowski, Consulting Civil Engineer
Wade Thomas, Consulting Civil Engineer
R. Richard Snarski, Consulting Wetlands Scientist
Mary Armstrong, Consulting Golf Course Architect
Penelope Sharp, Consulting Wetlands Scientist
PUBLIC HEARING
05-016 “The Preserve” – River Sound Development, LLC.
Application to construct open space subdivision, country club, golf course
community (934 ac. total) & open space (542.2 ac.) within 100 ft of wetlands.
(114.5 acres total wetlands)
Residence Conservation C District, Aquifer Protection District
Applicant: River Sound Development, LLC. Agent: Attorney David Royston
Acting Chairman Paul Smith reconvened the public hearing and outlined the hearing subject. Smith reviewed the schedule for the evening noting that the applicant would have 2 hrs for a presentation, the Public would have 1 hour for questions, the Commission would have 1 hour for questions and comments, the Public would then have 1 additional hour for questions, and finally the Commission would have 1 hour for additional questions and comments. Chairman Smith also noted that the hearing would continue on December 8, 2005. The Chairman requested that individual public comment be limited to 5 minutes initially until everyone had an opportunity to comment in order to allow as many people to speak as possible; and, that the public may continue beyond five minutes after all had a chance to comment initially.
Smith also noted that questions should be limited to topics relevant to inland wetlands and watercourses.
Attorney Royston, representative for the applicant, reviewed the history of the Preserve application and discussed several legal cases that pertain to the jurisdiction of the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission. Attorney Royston submitted a memorandum to the record regarding jurisdictional issues. Mr. Royston also submitted a letter requesting and consenting to an extension of the public hearing through December 22, 2005.
Dennis Goderre, project manager for the applicant, gave an overview of the evenings topics and spoke specifically regarding Best Management Practices (BMPs). Martin Malin, project engineer for the applicant, reviewed biobasin technology and stormwater BMPs. Chris Wilzynski, golf course engineer for the applicant, reviewed golf course activity within the regulated area and described the changes that were made to the golf course routing due to input from the Town staff consultants.
Michael Klein, ecologist and soil scientist for the applicant, discussed the issues of buffer sizes and defined buffers of various types.
Dennis Goderre then reviewed the buffers included in the modified application and reviewed construction phasing for the application.
John Dugan, consulting geotechnical engineer for the applicant, addressed several concerns brought up by LBG (hydrogeo engineering consultants for the Town) regarding blasting. Mr. Dugan summarized that acid leachate is not known to occur in the area due to blasting and that toxic blasting chemicals would not be used.
Dr. Michael Klemens spoke briefly regarding ideal timing for construction phases.
Sam Haydock, hydrologist for the applicant and Dr. Stuart Cohen, turf scientist for the applicant, discussed details for the community wastewater treatment system as well as the possible use of reclaimed water for irrigation purposes, respectively. Mr. Haydock stated that the applicant was committed to reuse of wastewater for irrigation.
Dr. Cohen addressed previous public and commission questions and also summarized the applicants responses to the Town’s consultant reports.
The Chairman then opened the public portion of the hearing.
Laura Janoski of Ivoryton, CT stated concerns regarding blasting damage to private residences.
Shelley Wehrly, North Cove Rd, Old Sayrbook, spoke at some length regarding her concerns regarding the development plans. She also submitted for the record a letter regarding these concerns.
Walter Hirsch, Woods Rd, spoke about his concerns regarding irrigation pond placement and pesticide contamination.
Danny Redak, Old Saybrook, stated that he hoped that the town does not re-elect any commissioners that vote in favor of the Preserve development.
Carol Manning, Main St, Old Saybrook, asked several questions regarding permits and overseeing of construction.
Citizen Goodale, Forest Glen Rd, Old Saybrook, stated concerns regarding the effects of silt fencing on wildlife and the possible alterations of construction sequencing.
Marge Hudson, Old Sayrbook, asked questions regarding the comparability of the Preserve to the Lake of Isles golf course and asked the commission to consider the entire site when making their decision.
Cathy Connolly, North Cove Rd spoke regarding the pest management inspection process and rescue treatments for infestations.
Kathryn Vanutt, Ingum Hill Rd. asked questions regarding water use by the applicant.
Sam Haviland, Boulder Drive, Old Saybrook, asked the Commission to consider the plan 25 – 50 years into the future.
Sarah Crawford, Pennywise Lane, Old Saybrook expressed her concerns regarding the impact on wildlife during construction.
Deborah McMehon, Barly Hill Rd, Old Saybrook, expressed concern regarding the rain that occurred during the pumping test and talking about the use of the term “canopy”.
Susan Sikpi, Briarcliff Trail, Old Saybrook, stated that actions made today will effect us in the long run and that the commission must consider all animals when making a decision.
Anthony Alfano, Connaly Dr, Old Saybrook, spoke regarding blasting damage to wells and requested that the applicant be required to put up a bond.
Connecticut Fund for the Environment (CFE) then gave a presentation: Attorney Carolyn Longstreth, representing CFE presented George Logan of REMA Ecological Services, consultant for CFE. Chairman Smith confirmed that the Commission had previously found him as a professional qualified to give testimony before the Commission. Mr. Logan presented his report and annotated project drawings to the commission and reviewed several examples of his input. Attorney Longstreth then presented several documents to the record and spoke about the definition of feasible and prudent alternatives.
The Commissioners then asked questions of the applicant.
Judy Preston asked questions regarding the wastewater treatment system and nitrogen loading.
Kim Gallagher asked about the impact of the leachfield on Pequat Swamp Pond. Wade Thomas, consulting engineer for the Town, and Dr. Cohen clarified several issues.
Frank Reichart asked a question regarding bio-basins. Mr. Goderre replied.
Charles Sohl asked questions regarding irrigation and vernal pools. Sam Haydock replied.
Robert McIntyre asked several questions regarding bio-basins. Martin Malin replied for the applicant.
Kevin Zawoy asked questions regarding vernal pools and the wastewater leach fields and draw down of vernal pools due to well pumping. Mr. Haydock responded for the applicant.
Paul Smith read of list of questions and concerns to be answered at a later date.
Dennis Goderre and Attorney Royston responded to several questions asked during the public portion of the hearing.
George Logan asked a question regarding nitrogen loading.
Sam Haydock, Stuart Cohen and Dennis Goderre responded to several questions asked previously in the hearing.
Kevin Zawoy asked a question regarding lot 21.
Charles Sohl asked about alternative plans and wetland disturbance. Paul Smith asked that the applicant present all alternatives considered.
Kim Gallagher asked about the effect of pH on Pequat Swamp Pond.
Judy Preston also asked a follow-up question.
The meeting was then adjourned by the Chairman to resume Thursday, December 8, 2005 at 7:30 p.m. at the Old Saybrook Middle School, Old Saybrook CT.
Respectfully submitted,
Damon Hearne
Acting Clerk
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