WETHERSFIELD, CT — The Planning and Zoning Commission will again consider an easement needed for a state-funded multi-use trail project when it meets Tuesday, Sept. 15, and will review the town's proposed acceptance of property on Great Meadow Road.
The commission is scheduled to meet at 7 p.m. in Town Council Chambers at 505 Silas Deane Highway. The two matters are listed as referrals under Connecticut General Statutes Section 8-24, which applies to certain municipal property transactions and public improvements.
The first referral concerns an easement at 100 Marsh Street for Wethersfield's proposed multi-use trail. The project would provide bicycle and pedestrian improvements along about 4,900 linear feet of Marsh Street and Great Meadow Road, connecting Main Street in Old Wethersfield with the state's trail over the Putnam Memorial Bridge.
The town has received $3,604,160 through the state's Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program for the work, according to a Sept. 11 memorandum from Town Engineer Derrick Gregor included in the commission's meeting packet.
Plans call for a new 8- and 10-foot-wide paved multi-use trail and concrete sidewalks and ramps, along with wooden split-rail fencing, metal beam guide rail, signs and trail lighting. The project also includes reconstruction and realignment of the Marsh Street and Broad Street intersection, pavement markings, signs and drainage improvements.
Most of the trail would be within town and state rights-of-way, but about 170 feet would cross the town's Physical Services property at 100 Marsh St. The proposed easement covers 4,437 square feet, or about one-tenth of an acre. Because the trail is being built with state funding, the state Department of Transportation requires a formal easement, according to Gregor's memo.
The commission considered the easement at its Aug. 18 meeting but voted 7-0 to continue the referral until town staff supplied additional information. Commissioners requested more detail about what would be constructed within the easement and proposed language specifying the action they were being asked to take.
The Sept. 15 agenda also lists a Section 8-24 referral concerning the town's proposed acceptance of Parcel No. 285002 on Great Meadow Road.
Two applications will also formally appear on the Sept. 15 agenda as matters scheduled to be heard at the commission's Oct. 6 meeting.
Dutch Point Credit Union Inc. has submitted Application 2237-26-Z seeking a site-plan modification for improvements at 197 Silas Deane Highway.
The Town of Wethersfield has submitted Application 2236-26-Z for a special permit and site plan for a new educational institution at 275 Highland Street. The proposal calls for 75 parking spaces, 25 overflow spaces, bus and parent drop-off lanes, outdoor play areas and an amphitheater.
Those applications are listed for future hearings and are not scheduled for substantive review or votes Sept. 15.
The commission's packet, including application materials, is available through the town's website under "Agendas & Minutes." Residents who want to review applications may also contact the Community Development Office. Written comments are due by 3 p.m. on the day of the meeting.
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