MIDDLEFIELD, CT — The Middlefield Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency scheduled two public hearings for Nov. 18 to consider an eight-lot residential subdivision and a proposed wooden pathway through wetlands near Peters Lane.
The agency also discussed unresolved permitting and drainage issues at a Baleville Road property, including concerns about potential runoff into Lake Beseck, during its Oct. 21 meeting.
The agency reviewed a permit application submitted by Panico Design on behalf of Middlefield Acres LLC, for an eight-lot subdivision with frontage on Ross Road, Cedar Street and Peters Lane.
The proposal includes regulated activities within wetlands and the surrounding upland review area associated with driveway construction and grading.
Members discussed observations from a site walk and described the inspection as a standard site walk.
The agency scheduled a public hearing for Nov. 18 to continue its review of the application.
No decision on the subdivision permit was recorded.
The agency also reviewed a permit application submitted by Tashua Troiano for property at 140 Peters Lane.
The application proposes constructing a wooden pathway through wetlands from the edge of the property to the end of the Wildwood Acres cul-de-sac.
According to the meeting minutes, the applicant submitted a written description of the proposed construction but had not provided an official site map.
Agency members said additional information about the pathway would be needed before they could consider approving the application.
During a site walk, members observed that the area was already regularly traveled. The proposed pathway was described as improving access for people and animals.
A public hearing was scheduled for Nov. 18. No permit approval was recorded.
The agency discussed ongoing wetlands issues at 186-187 Baleville Road, including the status of a rain garden, driveway improvements and outstanding permits.
According to the minutes, the area has been seeded, but a certificate of occupancy remains outstanding. The driveway must be paved in accordance with applicable regulations before the certificate can be issued.
The minutes also state that access toward Blackbird cannot proceed until the driveway is opened.
A wetlands permit has not been issued for the property.
Agency members expressed concern about exposed soil and the possibility of runoff reaching Lake Beseck.
The agency plans to continue monitoring the property and the maintenance of its rain garden.
Members also discussed consulting an attorney about obtaining a wetlands permit for the rain garden. The minutes indicate that enforcement action is anticipated, with the expectation that a permit will be issued.
No formal enforcement action or permit approval was recorded at the meeting.
The agency received no public comments, and the enforcement officer had no updates.
There were no previous meeting minutes to approve, and no additional old or new business was discussed.
Chairperson Rebecca Adams called the meeting to order at 6:50 p.m. Members Charles Zieminski, Rob Poturnicki and Rich Uznanski were also present.
The meeting adjourned at 7:08 p.m. The agency's next regular meeting, including the two scheduled public hearings, is set for Nov. 18.
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