The Stratford Inland Wetlands Commission convened on April 18, 2024, to address a significant development project on Silver Lane, which has faced scrutiny and a cease and desist order. Attorney Stephen Bellas, representing the applicant, outlined the project's history, emphasizing that it involves remodeling a church located 217 feet from wetlands, with no adverse impact on the environment.

Bellas requested the commission to lift the cease and desist order, asserting that all work conducted was compliant with state statutes and local regulations. He highlighted that the project had previously received zoning approval, although some modifications were made to the original plans. The attorney acknowledged a misunderstanding regarding the regulations and expressed a desire to amend local wetlands regulations to align better with state law, aiming to prevent future conflicts.

Commission members raised concerns about the revised plans and the need for further review before granting approval. Kelly, a commission member, noted that she had not yet reviewed the latest responses from the applicant's team, which included comments from the town engineer, John Casey. The commission deliberated on whether to approve the project contingent upon meeting all engineering requirements, but legal counsel cautioned against issuing a permit without finalized plans.

Nicholas Owen, another representative of the applicant, urged the commission to move forward, stating that delays were costly and that they had complied with all requests from the commission and town departments. The discussion underscored the importance of ensuring that all necessary approvals were in place before proceeding.

As the meeting concluded, the commission faced the challenge of balancing regulatory compliance with the applicant's desire to advance the project, highlighting the complexities of local governance and environmental oversight in Stratford. The outcome of this meeting could set a precedent for future developments in the area, particularly regarding the interaction between local regulations and state statutes.