May 22, 2025
Members present: Nicholas Dethlefsen, John Laudati, Sue Okie, Vickie Dirienzo, Fred Jones, David Tolli, Aurelle Locke. Also present: IWWC Agent Kate Bednaz and Land Use Coordinator Renee Deltenre.
188 Day Street–Kirk MacNaughton c/o Peak Mountain Development, LLC–Permit application for a 7-lot single family residential subdivision and associated site work within a regulated area.
Laudati recused himself from deliberation on the application.
Applicant Kirk MacNaughton discussed the revisions that were made to the application over the past month based on discussions with town staff and updated drainage calculations. Additional plantings were added to the Conservation Restriction Area and swales to be located between lots 5 and 6, and 6 and 7 were adjusted in accordance with comments from the town engineer.
A draft approval letter was provided to the commission for review and consideration, and Bednaz noted that a more in-depth hydrologic review will be conducted by the town engineer during the planning and zoning process. All outstanding items have been addressed, and there will be a two-year monitoring period for the required plantings. Bednaz also noted that a condition of approval regarding the transportation of soils off-site must be added to the approval letter.
There was no public comment. The commission voted 6-0-1 (Laudati abstained) to approve the application.
15 Peck Orchard Road–R. Marr–Permit application to construct a brook crossing, driveway and associated improvements within a regulated area.
Professional Engineer Guy Hesketh discussed the revisions that were made since the last meeting based on staff comments. The plans were updated to indicate underground/above-ground utilities, modifications to the construction entrance, the use of geotextile fabric along the driveway’s edge, clearing limits, etc. A conservation seed mix, along with hardwood seedlings will be utilized on the slopes, and the applicant/owner will monitor invasive species for a period of two years.
There was no public comment. The commission unanimously approved the application.
160 Granville Road–M. Deardorff c/o Valley Brook Community Church–Permit application to install a 75’x85’ playground and associated site work within a regulated area.
Applicant Matthew Deardorff discussed the application and revisions that were made since the last meeting. Based on staff comments, additional mitigation efforts were added to the plan, inclusive of a no-mow zone and buffer zone that will include brown-eyed Susan, ostrich fern and a New England wildflower mix. A concrete walkway from the parking lot to the playground was also added, which will be installed at a later date.
The commission unanimously approved the application.
7 Laurel Drive–E. Buckland–Permit application to construct a rear deck, remove/replace vegetation, replace septic system, and other associated work within a regulated area.
The applicant was unable to attend the meeting. There are several improvements being proposed to the property, including the construction of a rear deck, removal of trees that are in close proximity to the house, replacement plantings and a full replacement of the septic system. According to online mapping, the majority of the property is shown to be wetlands. It has come to staff’s attention that some activities have commenced on the property that are beyond what was approved under a Request for Review.
Bednaz conducted a site inspection and issued an Enforcement Order on May 21. She indicated that numerous trees and other vegetation have been removed, and erosion and sedimentation control measures need to be repaired. The property owners were informed that mapping and a report from a soils scientist is required. The commission will uphold the Enforcement Order and continue the application to the next regular meeting.
24 Heather Lane–A. Michaud–Permit request to place a new 160 sq. ft. prefabricated shed on crushed stone within a regulated area.
Applicant and property owner Albert Michaud is looking to install a 16’x10’ prefabricated shed at the end of his driveway within an existing lawn area. Bednaz met with the owner on-site to conduct an inspection and noted that the proposed location is very dry and there is a very small pocket of wetlands between the applicant and the neighboring property. The application was received and continued to the next regular meeting.
11 Brookside Drive–J. Anglin–Permit request to place a new 200 sq. ft. prefabricated shed on crushed stone within a regulated area.
The applicant/property owner was unable to attend the meeting. Bednaz met with the owner on-site to conduct an inspection and noted that the shed base had already been prepped. The proposed structure will be 20’x 10’ and sit roughly 79’ from the edge of Hungary Brook on crushed stone. Upon inspection, Bednaz indicated that further tree maintenance is required, which will be added to the application. She also informed the property owner that depositing yard debris within the regulated area is not permitted. The application was received and continued to the next regular meeting.
8 East Granby Road – C. Peeler c/o AutoZone, Inc. – Permit application to demolish existing structures and construct a 6,796 sq. ft. commercial building and other associated site work within a regulated area.
Laudati recused himself from deliberation on the application as an abutting property owner.
Applicant representative Trent Suddeth of Kimley Horn said AutoZone is seeking permission to demolish the existing single-family home and detached garage on-site, to construct a 6,796 commercial building, parking lot and associated site improvements. There is an intermittent watercourse located to the west on the other side of Hungary Road. The majority of this property falls within 200 feet of said watercourse and is therefore within the upland review area. Since the application was recently submitted and is being received this evening, a complete review by staff has not occurred.
The commission voted 6-0-1 (Laudati abstained) to receive the application and schedule a public hearing for the next regular meeting.
253 Loomis Street–D. Emery–RFR to conduct repairs to an existing footbridge over Dismal Brook within a regulated area.
The applicant was unable to attend the meeting. Bednaz stated that the applicant has submitted a request for review for repairs to an existing footbridge over Dismal Brook, including the installation of a beaver deceiver. The area is within the wetland/watercourse; therefore, she is unable to sign off on the application. Unfortunately, the repairs have already been made. Bednaz will be working with the applicant to address next steps.
60 Day Street South–E. Lukingbeal–RFR for maintenance and/or repair of farm access road within a regulated area as part of Holcomb Farm. Nonregulated Use Determination 4.30.25
A request for review was submitted for the repair of a farm access road on 60 Day Street South. This access road extends from Day Street South to the east, up to the Holcomb Farm Tree Trail.
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