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Stratford commission tables development application, seeks hydrology and third-party geology review
Summary
The Town of Stratford inland-wetlands commission tabled a pending development application and required infiltration test data, a hydrological study and an independent geologist review before any approval, citing potential impacts to the headwaters of Bruce's Brook.
The Town of Stratford inland-wetlands commission on an undisclosed application voted to table the matter after commissioners said they still needed infiltration data from test pits, a hydrological study and an independent on-site geologist review chosen by staff. Speaker 1, who reopened the meeting after an executive session, said the commission was not ‘‘for or against’’ the project but needed the additional information before approving it.
Commissioners emphasized the wetland’s significance to the town. Speaker 6 told the panel the wetland is ‘‘the headwaters of Bruce's Brook’’ and said a third-party reviewer should confirm that proposed mitigations will prevent future harm. Speaker 7 added that infiltration and geological study results could require a smaller project or reduced impervious surfaces.
Several commissioners and staff noted the town engineer and environmental consultants had already reviewed the submission; Speaker 3 cited prior reviews by the town engineer and LandTech and said those reviews were thorough. Still, commissioners said a fresh independent review was appropriate given site-specific concerns, including substantial bedrock and potential blasting.
The commission recorded a motion to table the application, which passed after a second and voice votes. Speakers also discussed procedural timing: Speaker 2 said the administrative record is due before the next meeting and flagged potential record issues; other commissioners said the town could place conditions that prevent building-permit sign-off until required tests and reviews are completed.
The commission repeatedly declined to grant approval without the requested studies. Speaker 1 said staff should ensure the infiltration data and hydrology report reach ‘‘Kelly’s desk’’ and that the town should require a third-party peer review before moving forward. Speaker 7 and Speaker 2 said they expected Judge Radcliffe could grant additional time in related litigation if needed.
Next steps: the application remains tabled until applicants supply the infiltration and hydrologic data and the commission obtains the third-party geology/environmental review it requested. The commission noted applicants might seek extensions or ask the court for more time, but commissioners said local review requirements must still be met.
