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Residents press committee on reservoir protection, eagle disturbance and privacy during Marjorie Trail discussion
Summary
Public commenters told the committee they fear pollution, stormwater runoff, wildlife disturbance and loss of privacy from the proposed trail; staff said environmental protections and wildlife considerations were included in the RFP and will be addressed during design and public presentations.
Residents who addressed the Marjorie Trail Advisory Committee urged staff to ensure the trail's design protects the Marjorie Lake Reservoir, minimizes stormwater pollution and prevents disturbance to wildlife and nearby homes.
Tom Perkins, speaking during public comment, read from a WestCOG environmental section and warned that "Marjorie Lake Reservoir provides Danbury with part of its drinking water supply and as such, pollution and stormwater runoff is a concern." He urged that financial burdens not fall disproportionately on New Fairfield taxpayers.
Kelly Lindquist, who identified herself as representing local wildlife interests, said fieldwork already disturbed a long-occupied bald eagle nest and pressed the committee for protections beyond federal guidelines. "They came within 60 feet of the nest while they're fledging, which could ultimately deter the mom from wanting to return to us, and that's after 8 years of living there," Lindquist said.
Colleen Gregory, a resident of Danbury, asked committee members how the reservoir would be kept secure from public access and from activities such as boating and dog-walking that could affect water quality.
Committee staff responded that the RFP specifically included environmental-conservation and wildlife-protection requirements, and that answers to many design questions will arrive when the technical studies and design documents are complete. Antonio Adarola, the project presenter, said the wetlands specialist is on-site and that flagged wetlands and other environmental inventories will be incorporated into the final design and presented publicly.
The committee asked bidders and staff to ensure the presentation materials address emergency access, potential utility relocations, tree removal and clear plans for protecting the reservoir and nearby homeowners' privacy. Those items will be part of the scripted questions for the June presentations.
