#MIDDLEBURY
By TERRENCE S. MCAULIFFE
The Middlebury Conservation Commission (CC) at its Aug. 30 meeting renewed a dredging permit for Atwood Pond, approved a stone wall extension on Lake Quassapaug, and accepted applications for a car wash on Straits Turnpike, a house reconstruction on Lake Quassapaug, and dam improvements at Fenn Pond. It also was told of the resignation of Chairman Vincent LoRusso.
Paul Lucchina, speaking for the Quinnipiac Game Association, said dredging work at the three-acre Atwood Pond at the end of Aunt Olive Road was going slower than expected. The expiring permit to dredge the pond, issued in August 2011, allowed removal of an estimated 20,000 yards of silt and 40,000 yards of gravel to bring the depth back to where it would support fishing and boating. Lucchina said about 75 percent of the work was done and it would take about two years to complete the work. Commissioners unanimously approved a five-year renewal of the permit.
An 85-foot extension to a stone wall on lakefront properties owned by Antoinette Moore and Judy Ann Pelletier at 387/389 White Deer Rock Road was unanimously approved. In the resolution of approval, commissioners wrote there was no prudent alternative to the wall and it would not have a substantial impact on the regulated area.
An application by County Line Carriage for a car wash at 2160 Straits Turnpike was unanimously accepted for review. Attorney Michael McVerry told commissioners the car wash would be in a building to be constructed in front of the former Suzuki service garage. This would place it in the setback of wetlands across the street.
Professional Engineer Scott Lukowski of Dymar reviewed plans showing drainage improvements, construction of a bioretention rain garden, and reduced curbing. He said paved areas would be reduced by 174 square feet. Acting Chairman Mary Barton instructed Lukowski to have the rain garden site staked out in advance of a site visit.
An application to demolish Mitchell Quain’s house and construct a new one at 2036 Middlebury Road was unanimously accepted with the stipulation the property be marked for commissioner site review. Professional Engineer Ron Wolff said the property consisted of 5.6 acres on Lake Quassapaug. He said the new house will be farther away from the lake, and a pool and pool deck will go in the location of the existing house. The existing septic system will be removed, and a new one that utilizes pumps will be constructed in front of the house. The existing driveway will be removed and seeded to lawn.
An application by the Middlebury Land Trust to clean out a sediment basin at Fenn Pond and reroute the flow of water with a riprap berm was unanimously accepted and the fee waived. Curt Smith of Smith and Company told commissioners most of the sediment had been caused by beavers damming up the stream. He said the addition of a berm would reroute incoming water “so the beavers can’t go at it again.” Zoning Enforcement Officer Deborah Seavey said ordinarily no permit would be required because dredging is maintenance, but addition of a berm required a permit.
Before adjourning the meeting, Barton announced LoRusso had resigned. She gave no reason for his resignation. She said the commission needs to elect officers at its next meeting when more members will be present, including newly appointed member Keli-Ann Bollard.
The next regular CC meeting will be Tuesday, Sept. 27, at 7:30 p.m. in Room 26 at Shepardson Community Center.
