MADISON, CT — Madison's Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency on Monday approved a wetlands referral for a proposed resubdivision at 19 Advent Hill Road, delayed several applications and determined that a proposed maintenance dredging project on Bunnell Bridge Road will require a public hearing.
Acting Chair Joseph Budrow called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. Commissioners Steve Lowrey, Anna Loss and Lee Schumacher attended. Commissioner Kealoha Freidenburg was absent. Maria Pettola, the town's Coastal Zone Enforcement Officer, Inland Wetlands Officer and Land Use Official, also attended.
The agency unanimously approved Application 26-17 for a resubdivision at 19 Advent Hill Road, owned by Charles and Theresa Ponzo Trustee.
Tony Bolduc of Double B Design, representing the applicant, said revised plans eliminate wetland crossings by providing shared access for both lots directly from Advent Hill Road. He said the southern parcel contains no wetlands, while proposed work on the second parcel would remain at least 55 feet from wetlands. He also noted that CLA Engineers submitted a favorable wetlands impact statement and the Health Department issued B100A approvals.
Commissioners noted a discrepancy in the submitted plans and reviewed staff recommendations and draft conditions before concluding the proposal does not constitute a significant activity because it shows no direct wetland impacts on the preliminary site plans.
Schumacher moved to approve the application, seconded by Loss. The vote was unanimous.
The approval requires all construction to follow the revised plans dated July 12, 2026, and requires the applicant to return to the agency for a regulated activity permit before any site disturbance or construction begins on Lot B.
The agency unanimously voted to table Application 26-21, a request to install a prefabricated shed within the upland review area at 52 Sunny Hill Drive, until its Sept. 14 meeting after the applicants did not join the virtual meeting. Commissioners said they wanted to hear directly from the applicants and noted an extension would be required.
Commissioners also unanimously approved an as-of-right application from Kelking LLC to remove invasive phragmites within the upland review area at 353 Boston Post Road. Members agreed the work qualifies as an agricultural operation limited to invasive phragmites removal.
As part of the approval, commissioners directed Pettola to inspect the site, take photographs before the work begins and conduct a follow-up inspection after removal to verify the invasive plants were removed.
The agency received, but postponed discussion of, two regulated activity applications until Sept. 14:
Commissioners determined that an application from the Hammonassett Fishing Association to dredge a fishing pond on Bunnell Bridge Road is a significant activity because of potential downstream turbidity impacts and the likelihood of coordination with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
The agency scheduled a public hearing on that application for Sept. 14.
Commissioners also reviewed an application from LSL LLC to construct a driveway, culvert and utility services for a planned single-family home on Long Shore Lane. After discussing the proposed 12-inch culvert and potential wetland impacts, the agency decided a site walk is needed before determining whether the project qualifies as a significant activity. Staff will coordinate a Saturday morning site visit with commissioners and the applicant.
The agency received notice of planned pond treatment work at Camp Laurelwood, 463 Summer Hill Road.
Commissioners unanimously approved the previous meeting's minutes. Although the motion referenced June 1 minutes, the agenda listed approval of the July 6, 2026, meeting minutes.
During closing remarks, Budrow thanked commissioners and staff for what he described as an efficient meeting. Pettola reported that Land Use Official Erin Mannix will cover the agency's September meeting during Pettola's vacation.
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