Commission schedules sitewalks, approves an application and minutes, and fields neighbor complaints

At its May 26 meeting the Old Lyme Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission completed several administrative items and scheduled site visits.

The commission set a sitewalk for application 26-8 (Rose Lane) for June 2 at 5:30 and asked the applicant to mark limits of proposed activity and provide clearer plan pages showing structure location and dimensions. Michael Kalan of County Construction described the plan to replace a converted garage and build a two-and-a-half-car garage at the front of the lot; he said the wetlands are in the backyard and no work will occur there.

For application 26-9 (Short Hills/Flat Rock Hill Road), attorney Harry Heler and civil engineer Mark Reynolds submitted updated plans and two copies of a soil scientist report by Ian Cole documenting an 8,400 sq ft upland-review-area disturbance, driveway and culvert details, and a professional determination that the activity would not constitute a significant regulated activity under the commission’s criteria. The commission will flag clearing limits at a scheduled sitewalk and asked for the centerline of the drive and 100-foot interval markings where helpful.

The commission approved application 25/26-5 (address referenced in the record) for expansion and a two-bay garage with the commission’s standard sedimentation and erosion-control conditions. The commission also approved the April 28 regular meeting minutes and the May 7 special sitewalk minutes.

A commissioner raised a neighborhood complaint about brush and yard debris placed within the 100-foot review area and road right-of-way; staff advised the complainant to contact Ed Dante in Public Works to inspect and enforce where appropriate. The commission noted Public Works has limited staff and no routine municipal cleanup program.

The meeting adjourned after routine business and the items will return as needed for follow-up or permit implementation.