OLD LYME CONSERVATION COMMISSION, OPEN SPACE COMMITTEE
BUSINESS MEETING, 3/10/06
The meeting was convened at 8:30 a.m., Chairman Diana Johnson presiding. Present were members Evan Griswold, Jenn Hillhouse, Blair Hoxby, Connie Kastelowitz, Ted Kiritsis and guest Ann Brown.
Diana listed corrections to the minutes of the February meeting. Ted moved & Connie seconded acceptance of the minutes as amended & the motion passed.
Discussion on the Cummings property led by Diana & Ann followed which included questions & issues as follows: should we ask for a parcel in fee or a fee in lieu; the open space should be owned by a conservation agency; advantage of property abutting Lohmann & Lohmann being managed by the same agency; Tony stated the ROW over Cummings to Lohmann has been extinguished; no structures should be allowed in open space; owners should get permission to cut trees etc.; septic pipes are planned for above ground; risk of landowners actions should fee in lieu be accepted; Jeff has stated there will be no conveyance; preferred open space is lot #4 and along River’s edge; Diana suggested we propose to Planning that the OSC enforce easements; Evan stated there must be annual monitoring by a designated entity; Blair
suggested the landowners contribute funds to a Stewardship Monitoring Fund; Ann thinks you can not require an endowment & stressed the need for clearly marked boundaries; Evan stressed the need for ongoing control; Diana stated that Town Regulations forbid excavation on Open Space land; Ann suggests asking for a 100’ wide strip along the River to protect the bank leaving the septic areas intact, and a bonus piece along the Lohmann parcel.
Broad Brook Estates (Stones Ranch/Schmitt area); Present plans call for 5 lots on 50 acres with 16 acres (32%) open space. OS area includes the watercourse and some upland. Blair suggested different percentages of land be given as open space depending on whether it is wetland or upland. Diana asked Blair to draft such a proposal. Evan suggested the OSC recommend the OS be accepted as proposed & be given to a Land Trust. Ann thought that would be acceptable.
Pedersen: The present plan for 17 lots is not good as proposed. The OS is not connected. Evan suggested smaller lots to give more OS. Diana stated that George said we should require 50% OS in PRCD’s.
Whitley/Griswold: Buttonball Rd. parcel: Diana reported meeting with Tim Griswold, George James & the BH Club and also with Lea & Muffy. Tim proposed a $900,000 bargain sale. Lea is meeting with counsel the end of March. BHClub is interested in Buttonball Rd. property but not Old Shore Rd. Ben Franklin Rd property adjoining Fairfax South: (Whitley) 4 lots are planned with access off Meetinghouse Lane. Ted moved & Evan seconded a motion to get an appraisal & the motion passed. A possibility of purchase & subsequent sale of one house lot next to Ben Franklin exists.
100 Acres: Tim spoke with Don Brodeur who wants to make a presentation next Wed. at 2:30 to Ann Brown, Diana, Conservation & Zoning. Don Brodeur Jr is the developer. Andy Montanaro owns 51%, the Brodeur group 49%. A zone change would be required if they want housing for over 50 year olds.
Budget: George had asked for $400,000. The meeting with the Board of Finance is this Tuesday. They will give us $125,000 this year and add $75,000 next year. $5000 will be available for appraisals and $2,500 requested for a warden. Diana stated that she feels that Public Works should be responsible for maintenance.
Diana reported the OS protocol is now at Planning, Att’y Mattern, Conservation, and Att’y Clark. Conservation suggested minor changes including steps listed in order of priority and moving funding to #3. Diana will make an update. She also distributed a tentative agenda for discussion at the workshop. Blair suggested that we plan a variety of OS, not just woodland. Evan suggested the possibility of a presentation by a landscape architect. Diana is working on an introduction of land use requirements. Blair would describe various land types. Does Mariette Brown have a pamphlet on OLOS? Ellie Czarnowski is applying for a grant for trails. There is legislation pending re penalties for violations of environmental regulations. Establishment of fines may be
State’s responsibility.
THE NEXT MEETING IS APRIL 7, AT 8:30 A.M. AT TOWN HALL.
Connie moved, & Ted seconded a motion to adjourn at 10:35. The motion passed.
Respectfully submitted,
Jennifer G. Hillhouse
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