Newtown Wetlands Commission Approves Waterview Drive Project, Sets Glen Road Hearing

NEWTOWN, CT — The Newtown Inland Wetlands Commission unanimously approved a retaining wall project at 94 Waterview Drive and voted to hold a public hearing on a proposed senior living development at 120 Glen Road during its Feb. 11 meeting.

Commissioners approved Inland Wetlands Application #26-01, submitted by Stephen and Susan Wisniewski, to install three new retaining walls to mitigate hillside erosion at their Waterview Drive property. The motion was made by Craig Ferris and seconded by Scott Jackson. The vote was in favor with one abstention from Suzanne Guidera.

Deputy Director of Land Use Steve Maguire said the applicants had submitted revised plans addressing erosion controls and stockpile locations, as requested at the previous meeting. The applicants will coordinate separately with FirstLight regarding any additional requirements.

James Doyle of Innovative Lawn and Landscape LLC, representing the property owners, outlined the updated planting, slope stabilization and erosion control plans. Doyle said the project will be completed in stages, beginning with the lowest retaining wall and working upward. He said hydro-seeding, erosion control matting and repaired silt fencing will be used to stabilize the site. Excess materials will be removed from the property, while reusable materials will remain onsite.

Commissioners expressed appreciation for the revised engineering plans and updated details before voting to approve the application with standard conditions.

In other business, the commission voted unanimously to schedule a public hearing for Inland Wetlands Application #26-02, submitted by GRC Construction LLC, for a proposed senior living residential development and associated site work at 120 Glen Road.

Maguire told commissioners that the commission had received a petition and emails from members of the public expressing interest in the application. He recommended holding a public hearing, noting that the petition was received prior to formal acceptance of the application, which is permissible under regulations.

Mike McCabe made the motion to hold a public hearing, and Guidera seconded it. The hearing is scheduled for March 11, at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers at the Newtown Municipal Center.

The commission also approved the minutes from its Jan. 28 meeting, with Ferris making the motion and McCabe seconding. The vote was unanimous with Guidera abstaining.

The meeting adjourned at 7:17 p.m.