Harwinton wetlands commission approves garage, two pools and barn with conditions; orders follow-up on unmarked wetlands

HARWINTON — The Harwinton Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission on June 1 approved several regulated-activity applications while requiring additional studies and inspections in cases where wetlands or septic interactions were unclear.

Chairwoman Susan Ryan convened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. and members voted to approve the minutes of the May 4 meeting. The commission then considered individual permit applications for structures near wetlands and watercourses.

Tim Neal applied for a 28-by-28-foot garage at 24 Fitzpatrick Avenue. Zoning Enforcement Officer Don Truskauskas told the commission he visited the site and observed a stream on the property but said the water appears to originate from a spring on Clearview Avenue and is not being treated as a regulated wetland. Truskauskas noted the applicant provided engineered plans (Topographic Survey, May 2026) and a May 19 TAHD comment that no habitable space, no water connection, and no footing or foundation drains are proposed. Commissioners questioned whether alternative locations were possible; Neal said the 50-foot front-yard zoning setback prevents placing the garage farther from the stream. The commission approved the garage application as a regulated activity.

The commission approved Domenic and Lisa Giordano’s proposal for a 21-foot above-ground pool and an attached 10-by-18-foot deck at 18 Catlin Road, but set specific conditions. The Giordanos presented a marked zoning location survey showing distances from the lake and the septic system; the LHA President had previously raised concerns about how chemically treated pool water would be kept from reaching the lake, how the pool would interact with the property’s septic/leach field, ground preparation to prevent structural failure, and construction specifications to protect wetlands. Mr. Giordano told the commission that Mike Bosco of B&B Septic, LLC had checked the septic and that TAHD issued a temporary approval conditioned on submission of a B100a to establish a potential reserve area for the septic system in case of failure. The applicants signed a TAHD pool waiver acknowledging they understand installation could interfere with sewage disposal and that corrective measures may be required.

IWZEO Truskauskas recommended a drainage approach using larger rock and offered to provide a diagram showing six-inch river rock placed over smaller rock around the pool; he also said going down “a foot or two” is suggested and that he would inspect the installation during construction. The commission approved the pool as a regulated activity on the condition that Truskauskas’ rock-layout diagram be followed, that he inspect the installation throughout the work, and that final TAHD approval be obtained.

Representatives for Anthony Copertino presented plans for a 16-by-32-foot inground pool at 17 North Gate Drive. Peter Ledda of Residential Resorts said the pool would sit downhill from wetlands and about 50 feet from the wetland edge; the design calls for a cartridge-filter system and shows pool equipment on the left side of the house. Erosion-control measures were included on the plans; TAHD approval was still outstanding. The commission accepted the application as a regulated activity.

Commissioners also added and heard a late application from Michael Soliani for a 30-by-50-foot barn at 46 Millbrook Lane. Soliani said a 1992 site plan showed the barn location and a 25-foot side-yard setback; he explained the barn location supports a future accessory apartment plan. IWZEO Truskauskas and members pointed out the site documentation is dated, noted the plan incorrectly showed a 75-foot wetland setback (the correct 100-foot setback must be shown), and requested a current soil scientist report and a new site plan with recently flagged wetlands. The commission accepted the application as a regulated activity on the condition that the applicant submit a soil scientist report and an updated site plan showing reflagged wetlands and setback lines.

Under complaints and enforcement, IWZEO Truskauskas reported a March 23 site visit to 235 Hill Road, where standing water was observed during new-house construction. Mikeal Development later supplied a revised engineered plan (dated April 2, 2026) showing a driveway culvert but not wetland delineation; drainage calculations were not received. The commission instructed IWZEO Truskauskas to revisit the property, to look for wetland vegetation, and to report to Land Use Coordinator Polly Redmond. If evidence of wetlands remains and the requested items (soil scientist report, revised plans, drainage calculations) are not submitted by the July 6, 2026 meeting, zoning compliance will not be issued.

Land Use Coordinator Polly Redmond noted she signed off administratively on several items determined to be non-wetlands or non-regulated activities, including a large garage (758 Hill Road), two above-ground pools (10 Elizabeth Drive and 124 Harmony Hill Road), and two single-family dwelling items. The commission adjourned at 8:15 p.m.

The commission’s next meeting is scheduled for July 6, 2026; the July meeting will be the deadline for materials related to the 235 Hill Road follow-up and for any outstanding TAHD approvals referenced in the meeting.