Ledyard Wetlands Commission Approves 14-Lot Kineo Estates Resubdivision

LEDYARD, CT — The Ledyard Inland Wetlands and Water Courses Commission unanimously approved a 14-lot resubdivision and new town road Sept. 1, one of four development applications approved with conditions during the meeting.

The commission also approved plans for a new home on Christy Hill Road, a commercial building addition on Baldwin Hill Road and a home and related improvements on Lantern Hill Road. Separately, commissioners determined that an agricultural expansion involving 12 hoop houses and a 1-acre irrigation pond qualifies as an "as of right" activity and does not require a wetlands permit.

Kineo Estates Resubdivision Approved

Commissioners voted 5-0 to approve regulated activities associated with the 14-lot Kineo Estates Conservation Resubdivision at 12 Hyde Park Drive and 975 Long Cove Road.

The application from Spencer Bay Properties LLC includes construction of a new town road. Attorney William Sweeney and Peter Gardner of Dieter & Gardner presented the proposal.

Vice Chair Beth Ribe said she continued to have concerns about lots 3, 5 and 13, which abut wetlands, and confirmed that wetlands would be flagged as part of individual zoning approvals.

The commission first voted 5-0 to classify the proposed regulated work as a Class B activity that would not have a significant impact under Ledyard's wetlands regulations.

Commissioner Dan Pealer then moved to approve the application, Robert Graham seconded it and the commission voted 5-0 in favor. Conditions require erosion and sediment controls before construction and an inspection by the wetlands enforcement officer before work begins.

Future changes to the site plan will require review, and individual lots involving regulated activities will be subject to administrative review and approval by the commission or wetlands official, including wetlands placards where applicable.

Christy Hill Road Home Approved

The commission unanimously approved regulated activities for construction of a single-family home, driveway, septic system and related improvements at 78 Christy Hill Road.

Gardner presented the application on behalf of property owner Gail Curland, and Wetlands Enforcement Official Hannah Middleton reviewed her staff report with commissioners.

Commissioners first voted 5-0 to determine that the work would not constitute a significant impact. They then approved the application 5-0, subject to erosion and sediment controls, a preconstruction inspection and review of future site-plan changes.

Commercial Addition Gets Wetlands Approval

A proposed addition to an existing commercial building at 1363 Baldwin Hill Road also received unanimous approval.

Michael Ott of Summer Hill Civil Engineers & Land Surveying presented the application for RVE Properties. Middleton discussed her staff review of the proposal.

Commissioners voted 5-0 to classify the regulated activities as having a nonsignificant impact and approved the application with conditions requiring erosion controls, a preconstruction inspection and review of future plan changes.

Lantern Hill Road Home, Shoreline Work Approved

The commission also approved an application involving a new single-family home at 611 Lantern Hill Road.

The application from property owner James Holley included construction of the residence, installation of a floating dock, restoration of an eroded shoreline and related site improvements. Middleton told commissioners that she had requested changes concerning bulk requirements.

The commission voted 5-0 to find the proposed activities would not have a significant impact and then voted 5-0 to approve the application with conditions. Those conditions include erosion controls, an inspection before work begins and review of future site-plan changes.

Farm Expansion Deemed 'As Of Right'

Commissioners also considered plans for an agricultural expansion at 691 Shewville Road and 230 Iron Street.

Applicant Rick Souza presented plans involving 12 hoop houses, a 1-acre irrigation pond and associated site improvements for agricultural operations. Kim Fletcher of Barton & Loguidice discussed project designs intended to mitigate effects on wetlands.

The commission voted 5-0 to determine that the project qualifies as an "as of right" activity and therefore does not require a wetlands permit.

The determination carries conditions requiring erosion and sediment controls, a preconstruction inspection and review of future changes. The final plans must also update an erosion and sediment control note to reference the current Connecticut guidelines.

Chairman Justin DeBrodt, Ribe, Pealer and alternates Graham and Sarah Bowen voted on the applications. Commissioner Michael Marelli was excused. The meeting began at 7 p.m. in the Town Hall Annex Council Chambers and adjourned at 8:05 p.m.