OLD LYME CONSERVATION COMMISSION, OPEN SPACE COMMITTEE
BUSINESS MEETING, 7/15/06
The meeting was called to order at 8:35 a.m., Chairman Diana Johnson presiding. Present were members Amanda Blair, Jenn Hillhouse, Blair Hoxby, George James, Ted Kiritsis,
Dave McCulloch, and guest Hussein Muhsin.
The resignation of Blair Hoxby has been accepted with regret.
Mr. Muhsin reported on the status of Old Lyme Heights, a 128 acre property consisting of 2 parcels, O.L. Heights and Woods of O.L. A 24’ wide town road is planned, leading to 35, possibly 38 two acre+ lots. George gave Muhsin a copy of the National Guard noise study showing a large noise area in one corner. Diana asked George to research vegetative buffer regulations. The members asked for more open space on the North corner where there is water. Muhsin estimates it will be 4 months to formal application.
Ted moved & Amanda seconded a motion to accept the June minutes. The motion passed
Acquisitions: The buttonball Rd/Shore Rd progress is slow. Tim is talking with Black Hall Club & Att’y Mattern.Richard Gates has established property lines 90’ south of present line, leaving 26.65 acres for BHC.Tim has proposed we get a conservation easement on the 11 acre Old Shore Road piece. George suggests we offer to purchase an option. Two more appraisals are needed for a State application. Diana reported we have $317,000+ in our account.
Proposed developments: Hatchett’s Hill proposal has been withdrawn due to septic problems. Dave reported the Conservation Comm. is concerned with lots 2 & 8.
FMTM and Broadbrook (next to OLHeights) are withdrawn. Diana has not heard from Four Ponds but states they have copies of the OS regulations. There is a possibility of a missing letter to Zoning.Diana asks us to review the PRCD regs as they pertain to OS.George stated that Multi Family regs should also include OS regs. He will get a Conservation Comm. letter to Diana. Dave McCulloch stated that the developers own and are responsible for the landscaping and that it would increase the appeal of these proposed$1.5 million houses if Four Ponds was a pesticide free development. Pedersen: Dave showed a map of the proposed OS and stated the formal application is not in yet.
There is no action at present on 100 Acres.
Diana reported that Mark Cummings of Lord Hill has died and Mrs Cummings is not interested in development. George stated the Miano development entrance road looks awful, Jenn agreed, stating it looks like an imminent mudslide.George stated that Lords Woods is incomplete and that a revision showing open space areas is needed.
Old business: Diana reported the Green Valley Institute is designed to help NE Ct, i.e. the Quinabaug/Shetucket corridor, but she will pursue this. George reported the forester report on Champlain has not been received yet. He has submitted a draft to Marylin Clark for an August Town Meeting. The Ames and Lay properties have been attacked by ATV’s. The State ahs a new strict ordinance re infractions. George proposed that it should supercede the proposed OL regs. Conservation has approved George’s draft. Ted suggested we ask the State Police to attend our meeting to discuss the ATV problem. George reported that they are not registered, a severe oversight. Diana will get a copy of the State regs re rules & fines to Marylin for inclusion in OL’s regs. George would
like to unify the TNC/OLCT/OL regulations. The trail brochures are ready.
New Business: George moved and Dave seconded a motion to purchase 3 trail signs at a cost of no more than $1000.00. The motion passed.
Discussion ensued on steward qualifications, hiring, firing, liability insurance etc. Waivers absolving organizations of responsibility are no longer allowed.
Discussion on whether to hold a meeting in August followed. It was agreeed that an August meeting would not be held unless a crisis arose.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:18.
Respectfully submitted,
Jennifer G. Hillhouse
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