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Commission hears early briefing on proposed driving range that could affect wetlands feeding Croton Reservoir
Summary
Commissioners were briefed on a preliminary Mofar golf-course plan for a driving range that would eliminate about 5,000 sq ft of wetlands; staff asked for IPM plans and said the commission will seek DEP/New York review because the ponds feed the Croton Reservoir and Still River headwaters.
Commission staff on Nov. 12 described a preliminary, pre-application meeting with representatives of the Mofar golf course about a proposed driving range and associated site work that would affect wetlands on a large private property that straddles Danbury’s southeast area.
Larry Liebman told the commission the developers said the driving-range footprint would eliminate approximately 5,000 square feet of wetlands. He said the commission requested the project team provide Integrated Pest Management (IPM) documentation and other materials prior to formal application. Liebman said the developers also plan to move chemical storage on the property ‘‘deeper into south’’ away from wetlands.
Commissioners raised watershed concerns: the site includes ponds that supply irrigation and are part of the larger hydrologic system tied to Farrington Pond and the headwaters of the Still River, and some runoff may flow toward New York state and ultimately into Croton Reservoir. Liebman said the commission will seek information on water budgets and replacement ratios; he noted a likely need for 2:1 or 3:1 wetland replacement and estimated that mitigating a 5,000 sq ft loss could mean rehabilitating 10,000–15,000 sq ft elsewhere in the same wetland system.
No formal application had been filed; commissioners agreed it would be helpful to conduct site visits once the developers have initial rough-staking and to coordinate with state reviewers (DEP and New York agencies) because of cross-jurisdictional watershed connections. Liebman characterized the item as an early-stage opportunity for the commission to provide guidance before a formal submission.
