During the Town of Stratford WPCA meeting on April 22, 2024, a significant discussion centered around a development proposal at 170 Orno Lane. The proposal, which involves the construction of 11 new single-family homes, was initially approved by the zoning commission as part of a settlement with the developer. However, the approved plan stipulated that seven of the homes would have two bedrooms and four would have three bedrooms.

The developer later requested a modification to construct all 11 homes as three-bedroom units, totaling 33 bedrooms. This request was denied by the zoning commission, leading to a contentious discussion at the WPCA meeting regarding the connection of the development to the town's sewer system.

The request for sewer connection was based on the developer's proposal for 11 three-bedroom homes, which diverged from the zoning commission's approval. The WPCA members debated the implications of the request, particularly concerning the sanitary flow generated by the different bedroom configurations. It was clarified that while the number of bedrooms affects the estimated sewage flow, it does not alter the sewer rate for single-family homes, which is charged at a flat rate.

In response to the developer's request, a motion was made to deny the sewer extension request, which was seconded and opened for discussion. One member suggested amending the motion to defer the decision to a later date, indicating a willingness to revisit the issue after further consideration.

This meeting highlights ongoing tensions between development proposals and zoning regulations in Stratford, reflecting broader challenges in managing growth while adhering to community standards. The outcome of this discussion could have significant implications for future developments and the town's infrastructure planning. As the WPCA considers its next steps, the community will be watching closely to see how these decisions shape Stratford's development landscape.