OLD LYME, CT — The Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission unanimously approved plans for a new home on Whippoorwill Road and the reconstruction of a house on Osceola Trail at its Aug. 25 meeting, while also approving a Shore Drive seawall repair and an amended application involving a previous wetlands violation on Grassy Hill Road.
The commission also received an update on enforcement proceedings at Mile Creek Road, where court dates have been set for former violations.
The commission unanimously approved excavation and grading for construction of a single-family home at 41-1 Whippoorwill Road.
M. Zarotney, representing applicant Connecticut Real Estate Properties LLC, presented revisions to the original site plan. The house was moved slightly toward the center of the property, and the revised plan includes stormwater recharge measures and retention of a natural buffer between the development and wetlands.
Plans also call for a driveway constructed of rock and other natural materials and planting native wetland shrubs along the lake. An arborist identified dead trees and trees affected by beetles for removal. Although part of the property is in a flood plain, the proposed house would be outside it.
Chair Tom Machnik moved to approve the application with the revisions and an additional requirement for silt fencing and hay bales north to northeast of the upland review area. Commissioner Rob Janes seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
The commission separately voted unanimously to waive an application fee for a request involving 129-1 Whippoorwill Road, submitted by Bill Ruel and the Old Lyme Open Space Commission.
Commissioners also agreed that future small bridge projects could be handled administratively unless they exceed normal circumstances.
The commission unanimously approved demolition and reconstruction of a single-family house at 23 Osceola Trail.
F. Tremblay, representing McDonald Sharpe & Associates, said the existing house would be demolished and replaced with a three-bedroom home with an attached garage. The driveway would be relocated to the northeast and the septic system to the northwest.
The new structures would be built 50 feet from the lake to comply with zoning setbacks, according to the minutes. Plans call for silt fencing during construction and restoration of vegetation afterward.
Machnik moved to approve the application with a recommendation that hay bales be installed on the waterward side of the proposed well. Janes seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Commissioners also unanimously approved a seawall repair and two sheds at 7 Shore Drive.
Applicant and property owner Russel Albrycht said plans from United Concrete call for a turbidity curtain in the water and a silt fence to reduce effects on the lake. Albrycht said he planned to use a different contractor to repair the existing work and expected construction to begin next year.
Commissioners agreed that if work begins outside the planting season, a silt fence should be installed immediately to reduce potential winter impacts and that Wetlands Enforcement Officer Eric Knapp should be contacted before installation.
Machnik moved to approve the application with a requirement that the silt fence be installed before winter. Commissioner Deborah Froggatt seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
The commission also approved an amended application involving a notice of violation at 72 Grassy Hill Road.
The Breunig Family Living Trust application seeks approval to extend an existing seawall with associated stairs.
C. Agro, representing the applicant, sought approval for the extended seawall with revisions described in the application. Janes said the commission's jurisdiction was limited in the broader matter and commissioners noted that previous unpermitted work is generally improved to minimize effects on wetlands and comply with current regulations rather than simply removed.
Machnik said removing the extended structure and restoring the original condition would leave an exposed slope that would not benefit the lake.
During public comment, neighbor T. Noyes discussed the lake accessway and removal of personal property.
Agro said the previous applicant had incorrectly completed the original application. The current applicant would take responsibility by amending it and ensuring accessibility was addressed in the revision.
Machnik moved to approve the amended application, and Commissioner Peter Friel seconded. Froggatt opposed the motion, which passed. The minutes do not provide a numerical vote count.
Knapp reported on former violations at 308-1 Mile Creek Road, where a pretrial date of Oct. 2, 2026, and a trial date of Feb. 18, 2027, have been set.
According to the minutes, the owner has been preparing the property with ground cover and additional silt fencing and has remained in communication with Knapp.
The owner reported flooding of roads on the property and wants to add gravel to prevent silt from washing away. Knapp said the matter would be discussed further and permits reviewed before additional work takes place.
The commission was also told that foreclosure proceedings have begun on properties at 16 Neck Road and 2 Sharon Drive. The subdivision approval is scheduled to expire next year, and the subdivided properties would revert to one lot without an extension, according to the minutes.
A proposed in-ground pool, pool deck and storage pavilion at 10-1 Wolcott Lane was not decided. Commissioners had already visited the property July 1 and will review the application at their Sept. 22 regular meeting.
The Aug. 25 meeting was held at Memorial Town Hall, 52 Lyme St., and adjourned at approximately 6:35 p.m.
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