BETHANY, CT — The Inland Wetlands Commission unanimously approved a ground-mounted solar array at 795 Carrington Road during its July 20 meeting, subject to environmental safeguards and a pre-construction meeting.
The commission also began reviewing a proposed three-lot subdivision at 244 Amity Road, where the applicants plan to upgrade an existing driveway into a private road serving two new residential lots.
TRITEC Americas LLC is proposing the solar array at 795 Carrington Road, with site access and part of the project located within the town's 150-foot upland review area.
Anthony Capuano of Solli Engineering told the commission that no changes had been made to the previously submitted site plans. Instead, the applicant provided responses to comments from the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority and supporting material that included a state stormwater permit, long-term maintenance plan, Natural Diversity Database determination, Eastern Box Turtle habitat assessment and authorization to access Regional Water Authority property.
Commissioners discussed temporary access across a proposed drainage swale, restoration of disturbed areas and an anti-tracking pad intended to limit sediment leaving the construction area.
Capuano said temporary crushed stone would likely be used to cross the swale during construction and disturbed areas would be restored afterward. The applicant also agreed to construct and maintain the anti-tracking pad in accordance with the approved plans.
Chair Kristine Sullivan moved to approve the application subject to the submitted maintenance plan, Water Authority response, stormwater permit, turtle protection measures, property access authorization and a pre-construction meeting involving the Wetlands Enforcement Officer or commission representatives, the contractor and project engineer.
Frederick Horstman seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
The commission found that the project, if constructed according to the approved plans and supporting documents, would have little or no adverse impact on adjacent wetlands or the public water supply watershed.
Roger and Mary Ellen Simon are seeking approval for a three-lot subdivision at 244 Amity Road.
John Paul Garcia, representing the applicants, said the approximately 13-acre property contains an existing commercial building and a previously approved wetlands crossing.
The proposal calls for converting the existing paved driveway into a private road built to town standards to provide access to two new residential lots. The existing roadway and wetlands crossing would remain, with limited widening to meet town requirements.
Plans also call for two stormwater detention basins to control runoff from the road and residential development.
Commissioners discussed road widening, ownership and maintenance of the private road, stormwater management and possible impacts within the upland review area. They asked that the proposed detention basin locations be staked before a site inspection and said the application should be sent to the commission's consulting engineer for drainage and stormwater review.
Garcia agreed to stake the basin locations. No vote was taken on the application.
The commission also reviewed an ongoing matter at 15 Schaffer Road.
Sullivan reported that wetlands on the property had been flagged by the town's contracted soil scientist, but a revised site plan incorporating those markings had not yet been completed.
Garcia said updated plans were expected for the commission's August meeting.
Horstman also reported seeing a new fence on the property despite the commission's previous direction that no additional work occur pending further review. The commission took no action.
Wetlands Enforcement Officer Curtis Bosco updated commissioners on enforcement matters involving 222 Schaffer Road, 261-273 Sperry Road, 34 Beacon Road and 516 Carrington Road.
The discussion covered unauthorized activity, erosion and sediment controls and compliance with wetlands regulations.
Commissioners directed Bosco to continue monitoring the properties and take appropriate enforcement action. That included requiring immediate installation of erosion controls at 34 Beacon Road if needed.
The commission also discussed sediment being tracked from active construction sites on Cheshire Road and emphasized maintaining adequate erosion and sediment-control measures.
Commissioners unanimously approved minutes from six previous regular meetings and site visits dating from December 2025 through June 2026.
Sullivan also told First Selectman Carol Goldberg that the commission has a vacancy for an alternate member and asked for assistance filling the position.
Commissioners additionally discussed difficulties reviewing applications through the town's online permitting system and agreed to continue that discussion before making recommendations to the Board of Selectmen.
The meeting began at 7:30 p.m. at Bethany Town Hall. Sullivan, Horstman, Jim Nickle and Kedric Becker attended, along with alternate Patricia Limauro. The commission adjourned unanimously at 8:23 p.m.
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