RIDGEFIELD, CT — The Inland Wetlands Board on April 23 continued a public hearing on a proposed multifamily development at 599 Branchville Road and delayed action on a separate residential application at 160 Wilton Road West to allow for further revisions and review.
The board did not take any votes on either application, opting to continue both matters to its May 14 meeting.
The board continued its public hearing on an application which proposes construction of a 75-foot bridge, multifamily housing, and associated site work within the upland review area of wetlands.
Applicant Robert Jewell presented updated materials and alternative designs, while peer reviewers outlined concerns related to stormwater management, erosion controls and the project’s proximity to wetlands.
Board members questioned aspects of the design, including the location of stormwater infrastructure relative to septic systems and the adequacy of erosion control measures. Vice Chair Tim Bishop raised concerns about proposed rock cuts, while IWB member Alan Pilch said the erosion controls appeared “rudimentary,” according to the meeting minutes.
The applicant said updated bridge design plans would be submitted within a week, and the board agreed to continue the hearing to May 14 to allow time for additional review and responses to peer comments.
The board also continued discussion of application for grading and site work at 160 Wilton Road West.
Applicant representative Dean Pushlar presented revised plans that included stormwater management measures added after concerns raised at an earlier meeting.
Bishop said the revisions represented a significant improvement and moved him closer to supporting the proposal, but he and other members said they needed more time to review the updated materials, which were submitted shortly before the meeting.
Chair Susan Baker said the late submission limited the board’s ability to evaluate the changes and asked for revised plans to be submitted earlier ahead of the next meeting. The discussion was continued to May 14.
The board unanimously approved minutes from its April 9 meeting.
Members also discussed ongoing updates to Inland Wetlands and Watercourses regulations, including potential changes to fee structures and definitions related to riparian buffers.
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Ridgefield, CT Patch
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