October 8, 2025
Members present: Nick Dethlefsen, David Tolli, John Laudati, Fred Jones, Vickie Dirienzo
Also present: IWWC Agent Kate Bednaz and Land Use Coordinator Renee Deltenre
Show Cause Hearing: 142R and 186 Case Street–M. Reale c/o Scottinaleece, LLC—Conducting Regulated Activity without a valid IWWC Permit.
Property owner Matt Reale submitted an RFR in 2024 for timber harvesting at 142R and 186 Case Street, and the commission determined the proposed activity to be permitted as of right. Town staff was recently contacted regarding activity at the subject properties and upon further investigation, it was determined that the activities present exceeded what was allowed under the RFR.
Reale stated that he created a farm pond and fields for future cattle and has been working with NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service) on the development of his property. Bednaz conducted site visits with the building official and commissioner Okie and issued an Enforcement Order on Oct. 1. Based on her observations, the following actions were taken without a valid IWWC permit: clearing of timber outside of the approved harvest boundary area; creation of an access road when only a skid trail was approved; skid trails are not in approved locations; extensive excavation, diversion and filling of a watercourse and wetlands to create a pond and driveway crossing; woody debris/fill has been placed within wetlands and watercourses in locations beyond the watercourse crossing.
Reale was directed to stabilize the site and cease all other activities until the proper permits were obtained. Bednaz ran through the enforcement order and corrective actions necessary to address the violations. Reale indicated that he does not want to retain a soil scientist, as he has been working with NRCS and is waiting for them to re-open once the government shutdown ends. Laudati stated that the enforcement order clearly states that a soil scientist be retained, and the commission cannot wait for the government shutdown to end for NRCS to respond. Bednaz stated that the commission needs clear documentation indicating “what was, what is, and what will be” conditions of the site and impacts on resource areas. The commission discussed the violations and upheld the enforcement order with the following amendment: The following materials shall be submitted by Dec. 3, 2025 for review at the regular IWWC meeting on Dec. 10, 2025. A timeline for the professionals doing the work shall be provided along with the name(s) of professional(s) retained.”
249 Silver Street Complaint
Bednaz stated that a complaint was received regarding the cutting of trees adjacent to a pond at 249 Silver Street. She spoke with the property owners, who indicated they were unaware of the regulated area and IWWC regulations. A site inspection will occur and an Enforcement Order will be issued in advance of the next regular meeting.
Looking for additional information?
To access the entire minutes from any town meeting visit granby-ct.gov/AgendaCenter