North Branford Residents Hire Attorney in Fight Over Proposed Propane Facility

The North Branford Citizens Against Propane have hired New Haven attorney Keith Ainsworth to represent them in a legal battle against J.J. Sullivan Fuel Oil’s 60,000 gallon proposed propane storage facility, the New Haven Register reports.

Ainsworth specializes in environmental and land use law and successfully fought the proposed propane facility in Clinton.

Earlier this month, North Branford residents presented a petition to the Town Council to hold a town wide vote to halt the planned construction of the facility. According to the Register, town attorney John Gesmonde wrote an opinion that the town council does not have the power to request a referendum that would overrule the Planning and Zoning Commission’s decision to allow bulk propane storage in the town.

Residents are concerned about the safety of such a facility as the proposed location on Ciro Road is near a gas station. Residents have also expressed concern over Town Council member Donald Fucci’s involvement in the proposal as he owns the property on Ciro Road where the proposed facility will be built.

Fire Chief Bill Seward told the New Haven Register earlier that the facility will be safe complying with all fire safety codes and National Fire Protection Association standards.

Ainsworth told the Register the first step would be to educate the residents of the threats that such a facility poses.

The only public hearing on the issue was held in August, however residents expressed their concerns after this month’s Planning and Zoning Commission meeting where officials tabled discussion on the installation of the facility for the commission’s Nov. 6 meeting citing safety concerns. The Conservation and Inlands Wetlands and Watercourses Agency will meet on Wednesday at 6:15 p.m. to discuss the proposal.

In Guilford, residents have filed a lawsuit against J.J. Sullivan Oil and the Planning and Zoning Commission over the company’s plan to build a similar propane storage facility in the town.

North Branford citizens have started a website, “Protect North Branford” to keep residents informed. A Go Fund Me page has also been set up to pay for Ainsworth’s legal fees.

Read the full story at the New Haven Register.

Image via Chesmont Engineering

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