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Commission raises runoff and buffer concerns during review of three ZBA variance applications
Summary
Windham’s Conservation Commission reviewed three ZBA applications: a variance to install a 640 sq ft inground pool within a wetland buffer, a 198 sq ft addition to a nonconforming lot, and a reconfiguration of commercial accessory storage and driveway access. Commissioners requested stormwater and buffer mitigation but recorded no formal votes on the applications.
The Windham Conservation Commission reviewed three variance applications before the Zoning Board of Adjustment and advised applicants on stormwater management and buffer mitigation but recorded no formal votes on the proposals.
In Case 07-2026, applicant Mark Collier sought variances under Windham Zoning Ordinance Sections 601.4.2 and 601.4.6 to permit a roughly 640-square-foot inground salt-water pool and patio within the 100-foot wetland buffer for a wetland larger than one acre. Collier said the project would use excavated fill on-site and that he did not plan to bring in extra fill; he also said the pool would be salt water to avoid chemicals. Chair Michael Specian and other commissioners expressed concern about potential runoff from expanded lawn areas and asked whether trees would be removed; commissioners also suggested considering placing the pool to the side of the house rather than the rear to reduce buffer impacts.
Case 12-2026 involved Hector Mendoza’s request for a 198-square-foot addition to a pre-existing nonconforming single-family dwelling under WZO Sections 406.2 and 702/Appendix A-1. The commission urged the applicant to include infiltration measures for roof runoff and other stormwater management details.
In Case 13-2026, Karl Dubay of The Dubay Group LLC presented plans to reduce front accessory storage along Range Road, relocate storage to the rear, expand driveway access to Bank Road with a gated entrance for customers, install a stockade fence, and restore a vegetative buffer. The applicant said storm drainage would be added and tied into the state drainage system; commissioners asked about a tall vegetative buffer and noted a small area where DOT-installed pipe work may need alteration.
Commissioners’ comments focused on minimizing runoff and preserving buffer vegetation; the minutes record discussion and requests for additional infiltration or drainage treatments but do not record final approvals or conditions from the ZBA.
