The Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission held its second public hearing on the Vessel RE Holdings’ application for a permit in connection with a proposed 48-unit apartment building at 37 Hartford Avenue on Sept. 13.
The first hearing was continued after it ran late with often contentious public input. Since that meeting, the Farmington Valley Health District has notified the Department of Health that a reserve area is required and must be added to the septic system design before it will approve the plan. The Department of Health retracted its approval of the plan until revised plans have been approved by the FVHD. The applicant requested that the hearing be continued to the IWWC’s next regular meeting in October.
A revised plan was presented to the commission that eliminates a double outfall and combines stormwater discharge to the right rear of the property and includes regrading the existing farm road. Further discussion included stormwater system maintenance, snow removal and nitrogen and phosphorus analysis the developer does not feel is needed. IWWC Agent Bednaz will review case law to determine if it can be required for this project.
Reinhard Maier of 138 Day Street had questions regarding the submission of stamped and signed drawings, drainage calculations in conjunction with the proposed stormwater management system, and Errors & Omissions Insurance.
Maureen Eberly of 37 Silkey Road expressed concerns regarding increased pedestrian traffic and contamination. She read for the record a letter from the Farmington River Watershed Association, Inc. and requested that the application be denied.
Robert Flanigan of 24 Woodcliff Drive requested that a nitrogen and phosphorus analysis be conducted, and said the proposed project is too large for the site.
Glen Ballard of 289 Granville Road had questions regarding state statute and whether feasible and prudent alternatives were presented.
Jay (undisclosed address and last name) stated that the commission needs to consider potential impacts to the endangered species present and referenced sewer capacity and pollutants from fresh pavement.
Michael Fusick of 55 Northwoods Road, works for the MDC and expressed concerns with the amount of impervious surface proposed and the velocity of water as it leaves the proposed outfall. He also discussed potential issues with the proposed maintenance of the stormwater management system, as seen in his line of work.
Toni Flanigan of 24 Woodcliff Drive also requested that a nitrogen and phosphorus analysis be conducted and expressed concerns regarding environmental impacts.
Attorney Hollister of Hinckley Allen stated that the applicant’s team will prepare a formal response to public comment, as well as address additional staff comments in advance of the next meeting.
The commission voted 6-0-0 to continue the public hearing to the Oct. 11, regular meeting.
Town board minutes for this and other meetings are available at granby-ct.gov/AgendaCenter.