Politics & Government
Ridgefield Wetlands Board Approves Pickleball Courts, Pond Dredging In Unanimous Votes
Ridgefield Inland Wetlands Board approved pickleball courts and a pond dredging project and accepted four new applications.
RIDGEFIELD, CT — The Ridgefield Inland Wetlands Board unanimously approved two development-related applications at its Jan. 8 meeting, including plans for new pickleball courts off Danbury Road and a pond dredging project on Cedar Lane.
The board also accepted four new residential applications for review and scheduled site walks later this month.
Pickleball Courts Approved on Danbury Road
The board voted 6-0 to approve a summary ruling application for the construction of four pickleball courts and a 30-space parking lot at 195 Danbury Road, property owned by the Town of Ridgefield.
The application was presented by Dennis DiPinto, representing the town and the Recreation Department, along with consultants Steve Sullivan of Haley Ward and Kate Throckmorton of Environmental Land Solutions LLC.
The proposal includes pickleball courts, a patio area, sidewalks and parking within the upland review area of wetlands and watercourses near Ridgefield Brook. Board members questioned the applicants about fencing, flood history, elevation of a bioretention basin, percolation test results, construction materials and stormwater management.
Throckmorton also reviewed the planting and mitigation plan, which prompted discussion about native species, invasive species control, runoff from the parking lot and feasible alternatives.
Vice Chair Tim Bishop made the motion to approve the application with standard conditions, seconded by Carson Fincham. The approval carries a publication date of Jan. 15 and an effective date of Jan. 16.
Pond Dredging Approved on Cedar Lane
The board also voted 6-0 to approve a summary ruling application to dredge a pond at 106 Cedar Lane, owned by Louis Ioanilli.
The application was presented by Ben Scoular through consultant Eric Vogt of New England Aquatic Services. Vogt said the plan calls for removing an average of 2.5 feet of sediment throughout the pond.
Board members discussed erosion controls, sediment disposal, timing of in-water work, restoration of disturbed areas, wildlife habitat considerations and aeration. The board approved the project with special conditions requiring submission of an updated as-built survey, stabilization below the dewatering tube and placement of a rock or log feature for wildlife.
Alan Pilch made the motion to approve, seconded by Bishop. The approval shares the same publication and effective dates as the pickleball application.
Four Residential Applications Received
The board voted 6-0 to receive four summary ruling applications and schedule site walks for Jan. 18, with discussion set for Jan. 22. The applications include:
- 358 North Salem Road — new five-bedroom single-family home
- 15 Bear Mountain Road — new single-family home
- 0 Ridgebury Road — new single-family home
- 279 Ridgebury Road — installation of an in-ground pool and related site work
All four applications were submitted by Michael Mazzucco on behalf of various property owners and builders.
Regulations Review and Minutes Approved
Bishop also introduced proposed red-line revisions to the town’s Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Regulations, drawing on his experience with Fairfield’s regulations. Chair Susan Baker said the board would review the draft changes over multiple future meetings.
The board approved minutes from the Dec. 11, 2025, meeting by a 5-0-1 vote, with Noah Berkowicz abstaining, and approved Jan. 4 site walk minutes by a 4-0-2 vote.
The meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.
