Middlebury Conservation Commission Approves Southford Road Industrial Project

MIDDLEBURY, CT — The Conservation Commission unanimously approved plans for three light industrial flex buildings at 927 Southford Road, subject to conditions intended to address drainage, erosion and wetlands protection.

At its Aug. 25 meeting, the commission also unanimously postponed action on proposed access and parking improvements at Sperry Pond along Straits Turnpike after members said the applicant needed to attend a future meeting to answer questions.

Three Industrial Buildings Approved

Kade Courtois, an engineer with Civil 1 representing the owner, presented Application 539 for 927 Southford Road.

The proposal calls for three separate light industrial flex buildings. Regulated activity includes encroachments into the upland review area and installation of two underground detention facilities and one above-ground detention basin, according to the minutes.

Town Engineer John Calabrese had reviewed the plans and provided comments in an Aug. 17 letter. Courtois said he had received those comments, agreed with the draft resolution and would revise the plans to incorporate the changes.

Commission Vice Chairman Curt Bosco moved to approve the application under the commission's draft resolution, with George Tzepos seconding. The motion passed unanimously.

The accompanying resolution says the commission determined that the proposed activity conforms to the purposes and requirements of the Inland Wetlands Commission and that a feasible and prudent alternative does not exist.

The approval includes several conditions. Revised plans must incorporate details of a grass-lined swale and Calabrese's comments before a permit is issued. Phase II of the project cannot begin until Phase I is substantially completed and stabilized.

The commission also required weekly reports on inspections of sediment and erosion-control measures. Before a certificate of occupancy is issued, an engineer must certify that site work and drainage facilities were completed according to the approved plans.

The applicant must notify the enforcement officer 48 hours before work begins and again when it is completed. Sediment and erosion controls must remain in place until disturbed areas are stabilized.

The approval also prohibits depositing, placing or storing fill, construction materials or debris in wetlands or watercourses unless specifically authorized. Work outside the approved permit could constitute a violation and result in modification, suspension or revocation of the approval.

The applicant is responsible for notifying the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection if necessary, according to the resolution.

Sperry Pond Improvements Tabled

The commission took no action on Application 540, involving proposed access improvements and a new parking area at Sperry Pond along Straits Turnpike.

No representative for the applicant attended the meeting.

Commissioner Joe Bernardi said he had previously walked the property and believed improvements to the entrance were necessary because of safety concerns.

Chairman Paul Bowler said alternatives should be considered to reduce disturbances within the regulated area. Commissioners determined that the applicant should attend a future meeting to answer questions.

Tzepos moved to table the application, with Joseph Martino seconding. The commission approved the motion unanimously.

There was no new business.

The commission also approved its July 28 meeting minutes. Bernardi made the motion and Martino seconded it. Bosco and Tzepos abstained because they had not attended the public hearing portion of that meeting.

The meeting began at 7 p.m. and adjourned at 7:07 p.m.