Orange Zoners Approve Three-Lot Subdivision On Derby Milford Road In 4-0 Vote

ORANGE, CT — The Orange Town Plan and Zoning Commission voted 4-0 on Oct. 20 to approve a subdivision of an 11.43-acre property at 756 Derby Milford Road, allowing the land to be divided into three parcels for two new single-family homes.

The approval came with conditions following a public hearing that included discussion of wetlands protections, septic systems, stormwater management and requirements for future construction.

The application was submitted by Kevin Marchitto and had been continued from the commission's Sept. 15 meeting.

Wetlands Approval Required Before Construction

During the hearing, the commission reviewed the relationship between the subdivision approval and the Inland Wetlands and Water Courses Commission's authority over future development.

A representative identified in the minutes as Mr. Pottock said the wetlands commission would require the owners of the two proposed building lots to return with specific plans showing the locations of their houses and septic systems.

Commissioner Cornell said the Town Plan and Zoning Commission's role was to approve the division of the property, while the wetlands commission would review the final development plans for each lot.

Cornell also identified a modification needed on the subdivision map for Lot 3 to address a zoning setback requirement.

Commission Chairman Parente asked whether the map would specify that final plans must return to the wetlands commission before construction.

Attorney Lynch suggested making the notation a condition of approval. Following discussion, the commission agreed to add the requirement to the recorded subdivision map.

Cornell said applicants would also need zoning compliance approval before building permits could be issued. Zoning Enforcement Officer Steve Hotchkiss confirmed that process.

Commission Reviews Utilities And Site Conditions

Parente questioned the proposed locations of utilities other than water.

Lynch said the utilities would be overhead. After discussion, the commission agreed to waive a related location requirement under the zoning regulations.

Parente also asked about the soil erosion and sediment control plan. Pottock said it was included in the submitted plans.

Hotchkiss confirmed that department heads had signed off on the application.

Commissioner Kaplan asked whether the septic reserve areas would be located adjacent to Wheeler's Farm Road rather than across the wetlands. Lynch confirmed that they would.

During public discussion, concerns were raised about the proposed subdivision and its implications for future property owners. A suggestion was also made to divide the land into two parcels instead of three.

Pottock responded to the concerns.

Kaplan said prospective buyers are responsible for understanding wetlands conditions when purchasing property.

Parente said the application was designed to demonstrate that three lots could be established on the property.

Subdivision Approved Unanimously

Kaplan moved to close the public hearing, and Cornell seconded the motion. The commission voted 4-0 in favor.

Following further discussion, Kaplan moved to approve the subdivision with conditions. Commissioner McGuire seconded the motion.

Parente, Cornell, McGuire and Kaplan voted in favor, resulting in a 4-0 approval.

The subdivision approval does not eliminate the need for subsequent wetlands, zoning compliance and building permit reviews.

Indian River Road Application Scheduled For November

In his report, Hotchkiss said a zoning text amendment application concerning 0 Indian River Road had been submitted.

The application is scheduled for the commission's Nov. 17 agenda.

Route 1 Widening And Other Development Updates

Hotchkiss also reported that the state Route 1 widening project would require variances from the Zoning Board of Appeals.

He said a larger project proposal was forthcoming.

Hotchkiss reported that construction at Big Y had begun approximately two to three weeks earlier and was proceeding on schedule.

He also said a final inspection was scheduled for Oct. 29 at the Noble Travel Center, 88 Marsh Hill Road.

Cornell expressed interest in succeeding Commissioner Torrenti as the commission's representative to the South Central Regional Council of Governments.

Other Commission Business

The commission approved its Sept. 15 meeting minutes by a 3-0 vote, with Parente abstaining.

The Oct. 20 meeting began at 7 p.m. at Orange Town Hall, 617 Orange Center Road.