Neighbors opposing the proposed 9-lot subdivision of a Brookwood Lane estate say the activities that would come with redeveloping the approximately 31.8-acre estate likely will “unreasonably pollute, impair, or destroy the public trust in the natural resources of our state, specifically wetlands and watercourses.”
In a Dec. 13 petition for intervention filed by Spencer Grimes and Robert Fraiman Jr., neighbors of the site in question at 82 Brookwood Lane, say the activities will “irrevocably alter their [wetlands’ and watercourses’] health and hydrological functions, potential increase for flooding, modification in nutrient cycling, increased potential for pollution, and habitat degradation for wetland dependent wildlife.”
“Furthermore, the Application lacks critical components, such as comprehensive development plans for the nine lots, including but not limited to extent of impervious surfaces, associated stormwater management, clearing and grading plans with their associated erosion and sedimentation control plan, septic system plans, and mitigation plans for unavoidable impacts associated with lot and common driveway development, all of which are necessary to properly and comprehensively assess the extent of the impacts to the site’s wetland and watercourse resources and propose adequate mitigation measures for unavoidable impacts,” according to the intervenors’ petition, filed with the town’s Inland Wetlands Commission and director of Inland Wetlands.
The intervenors also are two of 26 people who signed a formal petition calling for a public hearing on the project. At its Dec. 16 meeting, The Inland Wetlands Commission voted unanimously to hold a public hearing Jan. 27 on the issuance of a permit to prepare the property for redevelopment.
According to the intervenors, the activities will include filling wetlands to expand the existing driveway, expansion and/or relocation of headwalls and culverts within wetlands, discharge of stormwater to wetlands and watercourses, clear-cutting of trees and vegetation within proximity to wetlands and watercourses and discharge of pollutants.
Also on Dec. 13, a Greenwich-based surveying and environmental firm retained by Grimes and Fraiman, “representing a group of numerous residents in the Brookwood Lane area concerned about a proposed 9-lot subdivision at 82 Brookwood Lane,” filed a letter with the Inland Wetlands Commission that raised concerns.
According to the letter from S.E. Minor & Co., the subdivision “may have significant impacts on wetlands and watercourses.”
“For the IWC and the public to clearly understand the lot development potential for impacts, some of which may be significant, it is prudent at this stage of the development process to see the limit of the upland review boundary, proposed grading with more realistic development scenarios, limits of clearing, erosion and sedimentation control measures, and stormwater management plans,” the letter said.
The Planning & Zoning Commission also has received an application for the subdivision itself. The Inland Wetlands Commission is scheduled to meet Jan. 27, P&Z Jan. 28.