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Developer says Deerhill Avenue plan keeps church, adds age‑restricted housing and reduces runoff; commission seeks more documentation
Summary
Applicant representatives described a plan to add age-restricted apartments behind the First Congregational Church at 161–162 Deerhill Avenue with two underground stormwater systems designed to reduce runoff to Blind Brook; commissioners requested documentation on catch-basin outlets and recent environmental reports and tabled the item.
At the Dec. 18 meeting, Robert Botello introduced the project team for a proposed redevelopment at 161–162 Deerhill Avenue that would retain the First Congregational Church and add a multi-story, primarily age-restricted apartment building.
Dines Vervicas, a professional engineer with Artel Engineering Group, said the 1.4-acre property currently includes the church, a residence and a barn and that the plan would create about 65 parking spaces (partially under the building). Vervicas described two underground stormwater management systems that would infiltrate first-flush runoff and, by design, reduce the rate of runoff to Blind Brook for storms up to the 100-year event. He told commissioners the increase in impervious cover is roughly 9,000 square feet (about 0.2 acres) and stated, “We have 0 impact proposed to the wetlands.”
Commissioners pressed for confirmation of where existing roof runoff and catch-basin outfalls discharge and asked for concise, recent summaries of any prior environmental reports. Staff and the applicant agreed to provide photographic documentation of existing basement/drain conditions and clear piping routes that appear to connect catch basins toward Deerhill Avenue.
Public and association concerns about Blind Brook’s history of localized flooding surfaced during the discussion. A resident and association representative noted that much of Blind Brook is covered or culverted in that area and asked the applicant to verify all routing and provide catch-basin outlet confirmation.
After questions, commissioners moved to table the item to allow staff and the applicant to provide the requested documentation and to present a consultant summary at a future meeting.
What happens next: The applicant will supply clarifying documentation about existing catch-basin connections, recent environmental investigation summaries if available, and any requested mapping or photos to support the commission’s review.
