Town of Old Lyme Open Space Committee Meeting
Old Lyme Memorial Town Hall
Minutes: April 13, 2007
Chairman Diana Atwood Johnson opened the meeting at 08:30 with OSC members Amanda Blair, Peter Cable, Ted Crosby, Judi Glover, David Griswold, George James, Connie Kastelowitz and Ted Kiritsis in attendance. Also present for specific agenda items were Judy Preston, Executive Director, Tidewater Institute, and Margot Burns, GIS Specialist, CRERPA, to discuss the Connecticut River Riparian Mapping Project; Thomas Metcalf to discuss a planned subdivision of Dougherty property on Neck Road; Joseph Wren, Professional Engineer, and Jeff Montanaro to discuss planned residential development of land adjacent to Cherrystones Restaurant on Shore Road; and Steven Ross, Harbor Management Commission, to discuss the Atwood Johnson proposal regarding Tantammaheag Landing.
Connecticut River Riparian Mapping Project
Judy Preston and Margot Burns provided an overview of the status of Connecticut River riparian buffers and opportunities for vegetated buffer improvement based on GIS data and field observations. The presentation featured maps and illustrative photographs showing current riparian buffer status in the Gateway Conservation Zone and the opportunities for enhanced restoration, evaluation of invasive plant species and the locations of vacant property presenting opportunity for improved riparian buffers. Presenters Preston and Burns also encouraged OSC attendance at a meeting on April 30, 2007 at Saybrook Point Pavillion to promote the Ground Truth Project (CRERPA and Tidewater Institute) that seeks to create a regional open space map for the lower Connecticut River region.
On motion by Ted Kiritsis, second by David, the minutes for March 9, 2007 were approved.
Subdivisions
a) Dougherty property
Tom Metcalf described a proposed subdivision of land owned by Robert Dougherty across the road from the intersection of Route 156 and Bill Hill Road. The subdivision would divide the 7 acre parcel into a 4 acre parcel containing an existing house and outbuilding and a 3 acre parcel to the south. To satisfy the open space requirement, the owner is proposing to create a conservation easement along the western border of the property, which would provide a buffer for nearby wetlands on the adjacent O’Sullivan property. A background OSC concern that arose in discussion was the uncertainty regarding any possible future plans for development of the O’Sullivan property comprising 50 acres. In further discussion it was noted that, owing to slope and ledge, the proposed Dougherty conservation easement area cannot be built on in any event
and it was questioned whether Robert Dougherty might consider a fee in lieu of providing open space. Tom Metcalf suggested that he did not think Mr. Dougherty would be amenable to that option. Upon a motion by George, seconded by Ted Kiritsis, OSC voted to approve an offer to grant a conservation easement to the town.
Before Tom Metcalf left the meeting George asked him about a survey of the Gerr property. Tom Metcalf indicated that appropriate due diligence appeared to have been followed with respect to the gravel pit operations. He suggested that the Gerr property would appear to be not problematic for passive use, but he felt that more extensive surveying would be required before endorsement was warrented of more active or intensive public use of the property.
b) Montanaro property
For informational purposes, Jeff Montanaro and Professional Engineer Joe Wren described preliminary plans for residential development of Montanaro property behind Cherrystones Restaurant and the adjacent driving range on Shore Road. The proposed development is on 29.5 acres currently zoned for light industrial use and, before further plans can be formulated, Jeff Montanaro will seek a zoning amendment to permit residential use for the property. Preliminary plans for the development specify a development having 31 units with minimum age (55) restrictions on 13.5 acres of the property. A public water line, provided by Connecticut Water, and a living-filter community septic system are planned. In discussion, David inquired whether Jeff had considered a development plan with fewer but larger units to place less strain on water and sewerage
assets. Jeff indicated that larger and more expensive units would put the housing beyond the means of a potential Old Lyme population that the development was intended to reach.
c) Four Ponds development
Diana reported that the provisions of the original document prepared by the Four Ponds developer as the proposed determination of common use open space and conservation open space easement for the subdivision were essentially intact, but she expressed concern that exceptions to the original plan had appeared in a later revision and that no update to the development map has been provided. In discussion, Diana noted that the basic protections of common use and conservation easements remained intact in the revisions and George observed that unquestioned recognition of the town’s right of review and inspection of open space areas was a positive evolution.
d) Lord’s Woods development
Diana reported that at a meeting of the Inland Wetlands Commission the cease and desist order on work at Lord’s Woods had been lifted to the extent of permitting access road construction, but the previous requirements placed on the developer, including meeting OSC conditions, remain in effect. However, Diana expressed disappointment that serious issues remained or had appeared since the cease and desist order had been imposed. These issues include the facts that: (1) an inadequate stump survey, conducted by the construction crew and not by an independent tree expert, had been submitted by the contractor; (2) no replanting maintenance plan has been submitted; (3) planned setbacks have suddenly increased from 50’ to 60’, ostensibly to accommodate CL&P power line needs; and (4) current site drawings appear to reserve
grading rights for the developer
Tantummaheag Road Landing
Ted Kiritsis moved, George seconded and the committee passed a motion that Diana remove herself from participation in the OSC discussion of the Tantummaheag Landing/Johnson Mile Creek Road exchange with Ted Kiritsis to preside in her stead.
Steve Ross represented the Harbor Management Commission, which , at its March 13 meeting voted to approve a motion to propose to the Board of Selectman and OSC that the Town enter into an agreement with Diana to accept her offer to exchange her property of 12.3 acres at 19-2 Mile Creek Road for the driveway and landing at Tantummaheag with an easement in perpetuity to allow pedestrian access to the landing. George moved, Connie seconded and the committee approved acceptance of the exchange of properties as specified in a handout provided by Steve Ross.
Upon motion by Peter, seconded by Connie, Diana resumed her position in the OSC meeting.
Property
a) Gerr property
Diana reported that she had met with Carl Gerr and made an offer of $800k on his terms over 10 years. Mr. Gerr indicated that he was not in a hurry and suggested that he would not be deciding soon.
b) Ames property
Diana reported that Steven Ames would like to schedule a walk of his 50 acre property off Whippoorwill Road, which he is interested in selling for open space. The walk of the Ames property has been scheduled at 09:30 am on May 4. Diana indicated that she would like to get authorization for an appraisal of the Ames property and, on a motion by Peter seconded by Ted Kiritsis, the committee voted to give Diana the authority to obtain the subject appraisal.
Stewardship
a) Champlain South
Access to Champlain South through OLCT property has been compromised according to a previous letter from Mary Frazier Rogoz. It has been proposed to initiate a Boy Scout project under the direction of Lou Tiller, Eagle Scout candidate, and under the guidance of the Boy Scout advisor, Mike Guntey, to provide proper access with appropriate signage through the OLCT property. Diana and George will meet with the Boy Scouts to take this proposal to the next step.
b) Champlain North
George provided an update on trimming and restoration of the orchard at the entrance to Champlain North. George noted that Tom Degman suggested that further clearing is suggested. Diana noted that the OSC budget includes $5k of non-renewable funds for activities such as the proposed clearing.
On motion by Ted Crosby seconded by George it was voted to adjourn the meeting at 11:45.
Respectfully submitted,
Peter Cable
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