Owner raises redevelopment interest for 3651 Toringford Street; commission flags wetland quality and requests surveys

At new business, property owner and developer Alan Borghese presented plans and background about a 3.1-acre parcel at 3651 Toringford Street adjacent to the Dimex building, saying he is exploring purchase and redevelopment for industrial use. Borghese said the parcel includes a house and horse barn and that the seller indicated the owner might accept an offer in the neighborhood of $400,000.

Borghese said he commissioned a wetlands investigation after aerial maps did not show wetlands on the parcel. The soil scientist’s report and on-site delineation identified a wetland at the parcel edge near the industrial building; Borghese said the soil scientist characterized the wetland as low quality, compacted by horse use and heavily disturbed.

Staff and the commission discussed next steps and technical requirements: staff recommended an A-2 (boundary) survey and, where warranted, borings or soil tests to clarify subsurface conditions and hydrology. Staff said a public hearing would likely be appropriate if a determination of significance is required and if the applicant does not propose compensatory mitigation. Staff suggested potential mitigation could be a constructed wetland or a small basin with native planting to increase wetland function. Commissioners emphasized the need for a thorough site survey and hydrologic assessment because prior local fills and grading can cause long-term problems for development and downstream drainage.

Borghese said he understood the need for technical work and asked the commission for preliminary input; commissioners and staff agreed to continue the conversation and to expect a formal application if the owner proceeds. No permit application or formal vote occurred at the meeting.