The highlighted area on this map defines the two Tranquility Road parcels proposed for use for a winery. Developer Dean Yimoyines is asking for CC to declare the land use unregulated. (Google maps image)
#MIDDLEBURY #WINERY #QUASSAPAUG
By TERRENCE S. MCAULIFFE
The Middlebury Conservation Commission (CC) at its Nov. 29 meeting heard plans for a winery and vineyard on the grounds of the former Whittemore estate on Lake Quassapaug. This is the second winery proposal to come before a Middlebury commission this year.
In June, the Economic and Industrial Development Commission discussed a proposed winery on town-owned land on Nichols Road. That proposal came from Jon and Ana Bosman, who live on Shadduck Road adjacent to the Nichols Road property. It included winery operations, wine tastings, tours and more.
The new proposal for a winery follows the Oct. 4 acquisition of two properties on Tranquility Road by Dr. Dean Yimoyines and his son, Alexander, from the estate of industrialist John Howard Whittemore and his granddaughter, Thyrza.
The property, in the family since 1895, was known as Tranquility Farm, a gentleman’s working farm, and was designed by the prominent American architectural firm, McKim, Mead and White. Set on a crest and overlooking gently rolling meadows leading down to Lake Quassapaug, it was the site of a summer house for John Howard Whittemore, a successful industrialist and philanthropist.
Tuesday night’s standing-room-only meeting was attended by approximately 50 people who quietly listened to the description of the proposal but were not permitted to comment. Chairman Mary Barton told attendee Alice Hallaran, who asked to speak, “We can’t take public comment unless there is a public hearing.”
Attorney Edward S. Hill of Cappalli and Hill LLC in Cheshire told commissioners Yimoyines had committed to the Whittemore family he would restore the property to the farming use it formerly had. “This is really the start of an application for the determination that the activities that are being conducted are not regulated because they are farming and they are exempt,” Hill said.
He told Barton he knew the Middlebury Land Trust (MLT) holds conservation easements on both properties and said, “Our view is if we don’t need a permit then we don’t need to have the land trust involved.
“So this application is really a determination that no permits are required, and if no permits are required, then there is no permit to deny based upon any alleged violation of conservation restrictions.”
Hill said Yimoyines plans to show the MLT what he has in mind and solicit their opinion. “We don’t believe that any of our activities violate the arrangements,” Hill said.
Environmental Scientist George Logan of Rema Ecological Services LLC in Manchester used an aerial map to show the two parcels and the approximate location of wetlands and watercourses on the combined 33 acres. He told Barton the next step would be to develop a farming plan to map the wetlands and determine what farming goes where, mentioning fruit trees, blueberry patches and a nursery.
Barton instructed him to delineate the wetlands in a survey to assist the commission in determining whether it should be regulated. She also questioned tree cutting and was told by Logan diseased ash trees would be removed for safety.
Logan then showed historic photographs of the farm taken over the years starting in 1931. “This is the farm that Dean (Yimoyines) committed to put back to honor that legacy,” he said.
Barton said Wednesday the CC has asked that more information, including a more detailed site plan be provided at its next meeting. She said flags also are to be placed on the wetlands areas over the next week or so and then commission members will walk the land to see these areas.
Yimoyines is the developer of Middlebury Consignment, widely advertised as “The Shoppes at Whittemore Crossing,” a well-known Connecticut attraction. The business began as an old building bought for storage by Yimoyines, an ophthalmologist and owner of several OptiCare Eye Health Centers throughout the state. He started transforming it into a consignment store in October 2009 and it has since expanded to four floors and two satellite locations.
Barton said the CC will not meet in December unless a special meeting needs to be called, so the next meeting will be Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2017, at 7:30 p.m. in Room 26 at Shepardson Community Center.
You must be logged in to post a comment.