Middletown agency approves Butternut Pond park upgrades, members press for drainage and planting details

The Middletown Inland Wetlands and Watercourse Agency on Oct. 2 granted Permit W2024-10 to allow park improvements at Butternut Pond, 297 Butternut Street, including a walking trail, an enlarged parking area with drainage improvements, sidewalks and relocation of a portion of Thomas Street.

Jim, the agency staff member presenting the item, said Howard Weisberg, identified in the application as the City of Middletown acting public works director and the applicant’s agent, had explained the plan at a prior meeting and answered members’ questions. The site plan prepared by the city engineer (Tom Negosante) was referenced in the motion.

Members welcomed the improvements but pushed staff to refine drainage and landscaping details. One member said the proposed catch-basin will have a hooded outflow and a deep sump but warned that “that first flush is gonna go directly into the pond.” Jim said the city expects to use hooded catch basins with deeper sumps and emphasized the importance of maintenance to prevent accumulation of pollutants. He said the city will review options but indicated hydrodynamic separators likely would not work given existing grades.

Another member asked whether removed trees will be replaced. Jim said the plan includes landscaping and that the Urban Forestry Commission will be consulted to recommend appropriate trees and plantings around the playground and pond, including pollinator-friendly shrubs in some areas.

The agency discussed start timing; Jim said work could begin in late fall, weather permitting. After discussion the agency granted the permit with the standard stipulations typically applied to city projects and with the expectation that staff will track drainage design and maintenance commitments.

Next steps: staff will follow up on drainage and planting specifications and coordinate with Urban Forestry; construction is expected to begin in late fall, weather permitting.