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Public works identifies alternate town site for proposed dry hydrant; commission gives positive referral
Summary
Public Works Director Vincent Stetson told the commission that legal restrictions prevent work on the previously proposed open‑space site, and staff identified an alternate town‑owned parcel about 1,500 feet away that can support a dry hydrant for firefighting; the commission voted to issue a positive 8‑24 referral to the town council.
Vincent Stetson, South Windsor's director of public works, updated the Planning & Zoning Commission on May 26 about a proposed dry hydrant after staff found the initially considered site could not be modified because of federal grant restrictions. Stetson said public works identified an alternate town‑owned parcel roughly 1,500 feet down the road that appears suitable for a small, dug pond with an attached pipe to allow fire apparatus to draft water.
"It seems to be pretty consistent" in terms of groundwater and clay soils at the alternate site, Stetson said, and staff have a conceptual site plan showing a small pond, pipe, and a pull‑up area for trucks. He noted the town has discussed the possibility of drilling a well to keep the pond charged, but that would carry a material cost.
Stetson framed the proposal as an additional tool to aid firefighting in areas where hydrants are not available on the municipal water system. Planning staff explained that the item is an 8‑24 referral to the town council because it involves town capital improvements, and the commission voted in favor of providing a positive referral.
No formal approvals to alter the alternate parcel were recorded at the hearing; the commission's positive referral transmits the commission's recommendation to the town council, which will consider funding and legal steps before any work begins.
