Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Wetlands topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Danbury EIC keeps hearing open on Saddle Rock Road wetland reapproval
Summary
The Danbury Environmental Impact Commission continued the public hearing for the reapproval of 45 Saddle Rock Road to May 14 after the applicant submitted a soil scientist report and updated stormwater calculations; staff asked for conservation‑easement language and other plan details before final action.
Dines Verbickas, a professional engineer with Artel Engineering Group, told the Danbury Environmental Impact Commission on April 23 that a soil scientist’s recent site visit confirmed the wetland flagging shown on plans for 45 Saddle Rock Road and that updated storm‑drainage calculations—using new rainfall data—show the proposed 3x4x3‑foot concrete box culvert will exceed anticipated flows even for a 100‑year storm.
The update included a wetlands report from Jim McManus, which Verbickas said “basically confirms” the prior delineation and that the wetlands “have not changed from what was originally delineated.” He also handed commissioners revised drawings and buffer planting proposals intended to reduce impacts near the wetland and reservoir edges.
City staff urged the applicant to provide additional written details. Larry, the city’s environmental compliance inspector, said the commission still needs conservation‑easement language to be submitted and reviewed by corporation counsel and asked the applicant to propose demarcation features or placards for the easement. Larry also outlined the city’s inspection process: permitted projects receive initial erosion‑control inspections, subsequent site inspections, and as‑built comparisons, and the city typically requires a financial bond to guarantee compliance.
During public comment, nearby property owner John Shanahan asked whether inspections would continue once work begins and whether the public can view the plans; Larry directed him to the city office to review files and reiterated that inspections and bonds are part of the permitting process.
Because several staff items remain open and the commission wants counsel to review the conservation‑easement language, Commissioner Elizabeth Falk moved to continue the public hearing to the commission’s next regularly scheduled meeting on May 14, 2025; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.
The hearing remains open; staff will review the conservation‑easement language, and the applicant was asked to deliver any additional plan details, placard locations, and drainage clarifications before the May meeting.
