EAST LYME, CT — The East Lyme Inland Wetlands Agency voted unanimously Oct. 6 to approve regulated activities associated with a proposed 13-lot residential subdivision road on Mayfield Terrace, subject to 25 administrative requirements and modifications.
The agency voted 7-0 to approve the application submitted by Oz Enterprises LLC for work within the 300-foot upland review area surrounding wetlands and watercourses.
The approval covers the proposed subdivision road and related regulated activities. It does not, by itself, constitute final approval of the entire residential subdivision.
The agency also considered a residential construction application at 55 Corey Lane and continued a hearing on a proposed 48-unit housing development at 225 and 235 Flanders Road.
The Mayfield Terrace application concerns construction of a road serving a proposed 13-lot subdivision on property identified as assessor's Map 41.0, Lot 1.
The development plans, titled Proposed 13 Lot CDD Resubdivision, Mayfield Terrace, Winston Road & Greentree Drive, were prepared by KA&G Technical Services LLC and dated July 3, 2026, with revisions through Oct. 2.
Commissioners discussed the site's suitability and the approval process before voting.
Agency member McIntire moved to approve the application, subject to 25 administrative requirements and modifications. Member Vilcheck seconded the motion.
The motion passed 7-0, with no abstentions.
Among the approval conditions are an erosion and sedimentation control bond of at least $86,905.50, conservation easements, construction inspections and long-term maintenance requirements for the stormwater system.
A homeowners association must be established before the first lot is conveyed and will be responsible for maintaining the stormwater basin. Annual maintenance reports must be provided to the town.
The agency also voted 7-0 to grant a waiver allowing the applicant to omit diagrams of alternative development plans from the site plan. The waiver does not eliminate other statutory requirements for considering alternatives.
During the public hearing, David Held, an engineer with KA&G Technical Services, described changes to the stormwater management system, including a redesigned bioretention basin, roof runoff infiltration systems and expanded conservation easements.
Donald Danila, a member of the Niantic River Watershed Committee and the East Lyme Commission for the Conservation of Natural Resources, questioned the handling of documents he had submitted and raised environmental concerns.
Held and attorney William McCoy, representing the applicant, responded to those concerns. McCoy said the project complied with the agency's regulations.
The public hearing was closed by a unanimous 7-0 vote before the agency approved the application.
The agency voted 7-0 to approve an application to construct a single-family home at 55 Corey Lane, with conditions.
The property is owned by Wayne P. Cooper, and engineer Will Walter presented the application.
Walter said approval had been received from the Ledge Light Health District. He described plans to install decorative fencing, plant two red maple trees and replace some removed vegetation with deciduous shrubs.
He also said a previously discussed drainage system would not be installed because of septic system separation requirements.
The agency initially approved the application unanimously, then voted 7-0 to amend the approval to require an erosion and sedimentation control bond and compliance with the limits of disturbance shown on the site plan.
No members of the public commented during the hearing.
The agency continued a public hearing on a proposed 48-unit, age-restricted residential development at 225 and 235 Flanders Road.
The applicant and property owner, 283 BPR LLC, proposes demolishing an existing single-family house at 235 Flanders Road and constructing six residential buildings, 72 parking spaces, utility connections and stormwater management improvements.
Seamus Moran, an engineer with H&H Engineering Associates, said the development would occupy two parcels totaling 8.71 acres, including approximately 0.71 acres of wetlands.
He described two stormwater management systems designed to collect and treat runoff from the development.
Moran said revised plans addressed comments from the town engineer, including corrections to drainage calculations and evaluation of the system under a 100-year storm scenario.
James Sipperly, a soil scientist and wetlands specialist, said he did not anticipate adverse impacts on wetlands based on his review of the property and proposed development.
Several residents and neighboring property representatives expressed concerns about drainage, groundwater and potential damage to adjacent properties.
Martha Goodlow, president of the Chapman Woods Condominium Association, said the neighboring development had experienced longstanding stormwater and groundwater problems that required costly repairs.
Goodlow questioned whether additional impervious surfaces would worsen those conditions and asked for stronger assurances that neighboring properties would be protected.
Eric Cartier, owner of Cartier Optical, raised concerns about an existing retaining wall near the proposed construction area. He requested an engineering assessment before construction and protections against damage during the project.
Other residents questioned the volume and direction of runoff, the distance between proposed buildings and wetlands, and possible effects on nearby drainage systems.
Moran said the proposed drainage design would direct runoff into on-site stormwater facilities rather than toward the neighboring properties. He also said the developer intended to address concerns about the retaining wall.
Agency Chair Kristen Chantrell questioned potential downstream effects and whether additional vegetation would be maintained between the development and surrounding properties.
The agency voted 7-0 to continue the hearing until Nov. 9 at 7 p.m.
No decision was made on the Flanders Road application.
The agency received reports on administrative permits involving proposed single-family homes at 11 Twin Valley, 14 Twin Valley and 17 Twin Valley, along with a proposed 32-by-16-foot deck at 10 Pattagansett Drive.
A determination involving replacement of an underground propane tank at 2 Upper Kensington Drive was also listed.
During the ex-officio report, members discussed a solar energy project near Grassy Hill and Walnut Hill roads that was before the Connecticut Siting Council.
The agency unanimously approved its Sept. 1 meeting minutes.
The Oct. 6 meeting began at 7 p.m. at East Lyme Town Hall, 108 Pennsylvania Ave. and adjourned at 10 p.m.
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