In a recent government meeting, a proposal for the construction of two residential buildings at 214 North Street was presented by Nick Ficino of CN LLC. The project aims to develop six two-bedroom townhouse units on a 0.46-acre site that is adjacent to the Wepelawag River and includes designated wetlands and flood zones.
The proposal includes significant environmental considerations, as the site is located within a special flood hazard area, with a 100-year flood elevation of approximately 38.2 feet. The development plans feature a permeable paver block system for stormwater management, designed to comply with the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection's MS4 program. This system aims to mitigate runoff from both the parking areas and rooftops of the proposed buildings.
During the presentation, Robert Wehway, a licensed professional engineer, detailed the layout of the project, which includes a total of 12 parking spaces and a commitment to maintaining a buffer zone from the wetlands. The closest building will be situated at least 46 feet from the wetland line, with the northern building positioned even further away, enhancing the environmental safeguards.
The project also incorporates low-impact development strategies, such as a 10-foot no-mow strip along the wetlands to promote natural vegetation and the removal of invasive species. The landscape plan includes various plantings to enhance the ecological integrity of the area while providing passive recreational space for future residents.
The meeting highlighted the importance of balancing development with environmental protection, particularly in flood-prone areas. The proposal will undergo further review to ensure compliance with local regulations and environmental standards before any construction can commence.