Lyme Eco-Commission Approves Timber Harvest, Continues Lakeside Project

LYME, CT — The Lyme Conservation Commission/Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency unanimously approved a timber harvesting application for Beaver Brook Farm during its July 15 meeting and continued review of a proposed lakeside patio and stairway project on Blood Street pending additional engineering and environmental information.

Commissioners first removed from the agenda, at the applicant's request, a continued application from Signora for renovations and an addition within the upland review area at 173 Blood St.

The commission then considered two related applications submitted by Beaver Brook Farm LLC for property at 139 Beaver Brook Road. Representatives Chris Casadei and Tyler Lock told commissioners the proposed timber harvest would use crowned trails to reduce water runoff and that the property's slopes are generally less than 5 percent. They said erosion control measures would be installed if needed and that they do not anticipate erosion problems during the work.

Commission members voted unanimously to approve a jurisdictional ruling for the project after the applicants agreed to notify the commission before harvesting begins. Commissioners also reserved the right to inspect the property during the operation.

The commission then unanimously approved the accompanying forestry application, conditioning the approval on the commission's ability to inspect the site as necessary during the timber harvest.

Members devoted the remainder of the meeting to an application for improvements at 139 Blood St. that includes construction of a new patio, retaining wall and stairway within the upland review area.

Dylan Laplace of Torrison Stone & Garden said the existing stairway provides difficult access to the lake because it does not meet current code requirements. The proposal would replace the stairs with a similar number of steps using code-compliant risers, widen the stairway, reduce grades leading to the water and install crushed stone to help manage runoff. He said a mini excavator would be used to limit disturbance while removing the existing stairs.

Commissioners generally supported replacing the aging stairs but questioned whether building code requirements apply because the stairway does not connect directly to the residence. Members also raised questions about the project's overall size, proposed retaining wall, lighting, excavation and potential impacts to vegetation on the steep slope leading to the lake.

The applicant said primarily small pine trees would be affected by the project and that they would be transplanted where possible. Laplace said the design seeks to preserve as much existing vegetation as possible.

Rather than vote on the application, the commission requested a revised proposal that follows the alignment of the existing stairs to reduce disturbance. Commissioners also asked the applicant to provide engineering calculations, the building code section supporting the design, a revised site plan, identification of all trees proposed for removal, estimates of excavation quantities, details on construction equipment, information about proposed railings and lighting, and confirmation that pesticides and fertilizers will not be used.

The commission scheduled a second site walk for Aug. 17 from 3 to 5 p.m. before continuing the application to its next meeting.

Commissioners approved the minutes of their June 17 meeting unanimously before adjourning at 7:54 p.m.