Conservation commission upholds enforcement order for clearing, vehicle storage at 145/143 West Norwalk Rd.

The Norwalk City Conservation Commission held a show-cause hearing on Jan. 14 for enforcement case 25-1076 concerning vegetation clearing, wood-chip deposition and vehicle storage within wetlands and the upland review area at 145 and 143 West Norwalk Road. After hearing staff and the property owner’s representative, the commission voted to uphold the enforcement order.

Staff explained that city inspectors or staff were alerted to contractor-yard activity and observed extensive clearing within both the wetland and the upland review area. Amelia (conservation staff) told the commission a notice of violation and an enforcement order were issued after the applicant did not submit a complete application by the deadline; staff also displayed aerial photos and site photos documenting the disturbed areas.

Jennifer Sanchez, representing owner Carmen Uquellis, told the commission the clearing and wood-chip deposition resulted from a landscaper’s actions while the owner was abroad and that the owner has been responsive to the city’s direction; Sanchez said she and the owner are working with Environmental Land Solutions to remediate the disturbance. "She already has started and gone to the property, and reviewed some things," Sanchez said, adding the family will coordinate with staff on next steps.

Commissioners voted to uphold the enforcement order. The motion to uphold the order was made, seconded and adopted by voice vote with commissioners recorded as saying "Aye." The commission noted the owner has engaged a consultant, will submit a complete corrective application and staff will work with that consultant to verify remediation steps.

Staff advised the owner’s representative to coordinate with the consultant and provide the required permit application materials; the commission indicated it would reassess compliance after staff review of submitted remediation plans and monitoring reports.