New Milford Wetlands Commission Approves Warehouse Expansion

NEW MILFORD, CT — The New Milford Inland Wetlands Commission on June 11 unanimously approved plans for a 117,202-square-foot warehouse expansion at 87 Pickett District Road and scheduled a public hearing on a proposed streambank restoration project near residences on Sullivan Farm Road.

The commission voted unanimously to approve an application submitted by Artel Engineering Group on behalf of the owner of 87 Pickett District Road. The project includes construction of a one-story warehouse addition, truck parking, loading docks and stormwater management improvements. During the public hearing, project engineering manager Michelle Morris-Micoli said revisions were made in response to comments from town staff and the commission's engineering consultant, including additional drainage infrastructure, relocation of outlet structures and erosion-control measures. No members of the public spoke on the application. The commission closed the public hearing and approved the project with revised conditions recommended by staff.

Commissioners also unanimously determined that a proposal to repair eroded streambanks at 53-56 Sullivan Farm Road constitutes a significant activity under wetlands regulations and scheduled a public hearing for July 9. Applicant Garrett Meade told the commission he had revised the proposal to eliminate previously planned channel work and instead create a single center channel with reconstructed streambanks designed to encourage vegetative growth. Wetlands Enforcement Officer James Ferlow recommended additional review, citing concerns that the work could create new impacts to nearby wetlands and watercourses.

Among other actions, the commission unanimously approved a new single-family home application at 118 Sherry Lane after reviewing revised drainage and septic plans. Commissioners also approved a ground-mounted solar array at 165 Chestnut Land Road and approved the Town of New Milford's application for traffic signal improvements at the intersection of Grove Street and Hine Hill Road. The signal project includes new poles, pavement markings and signal cabinets.

The commission granted a 60-day extension for a pending application at 640 Kent Road after the applicant reported delays involving utility coordination. Commissioners also unanimously denied an application for a proposed single-family residence at 56 Long Mountain Road after staff reported the application remained incomplete and an application fee was still outstanding.

Several new applications were received during the meeting. Commissioners determined that a proposal to restore a former hay field at 9 Wells Road for agricultural use qualifies as a jurisdictional ruling under wetlands regulations. The commission also accepted a similar jurisdictional ruling for a timber harvest proposal at 214 Candlewood Mountain Road. Additional applications included a 15,000-square-foot industrial building addition at 9 Pickett District Road, improvements at the Ellen Corsell/Merryall Community Center, and a proposed single-family residence on Haviland Road Extension.

The commission unanimously approved the transfer of a wetlands permit for a residence at 47 Mist Hill Drive from Eric Kucharczyk to MP Homes LLC. Members also approved the release of three $5,000 bonds associated with completed residential projects on Brook Hollow Drive.

In other business, commissioners approved a permit modification for a project at 14 Greenwood Road and authorized payment of bills totaling approximately $4,658, including engineering review services and legal expenses. All votes recorded during the meeting were unanimous.