Newtown Inland Wetlands Commission Approves Restoration Plan, Upholds Cease-And-Desist Order

NEWTOWN, CT — The Newtown Inland Wetlands Commission unanimously approved a restoration plan for a residential property on Stone Bridge Trail and voted to uphold a cease-and-desist order tied to unpermitted activity during its Jan. 14 meeting at the Newtown Municipal Center.

The commission voted 6–0 to approve Inland Wetlands Application #25-26, submitted by MD285 Berkshire, LLC, for property at 6 Stone Bridge Trail. The application sought permission to replant trees and shrubs in a regulated area after damage occurred during prior clearing work. The approval included standard conditions as well as several additional requirements addressing the depth, placement and removal of woodchips, revised site plan language, and a two-growing-season guarantee for new plantings.

Approved plans were identified as the “Wetland Buffer Restoration Plan Lot 1,” dated Dec. 9, 2025, along with all supporting documentation.

In a separate enforcement matter, the commission voted unanimously to recommend that a cease-and-desist order be upheld for Devivo-Vona Industries LLC and Bruce Batchelder, c/o Dale Beilin, related to unpermitted regulated activities at 28 and 40 High Bridge Road. The action followed a show-cause hearing listed on the meeting agenda.

As part of its annual organizational business, the commission also unanimously elected officers for 2026. Sharon Salling was reappointed chairperson, Craig Ferris was named vice chair, and Mike McCabe was selected as secretary.

The commission approved its Dec. 10, 2025 meeting minutes with a minor correction to a member’s name.

Public attendance was permitted, though no public participation was held, consistent with state statutes governing inland wetlands proceedings.

The meeting adjourned at 9:04 p.m.