Agency approves wetlands permit for Wheeler Drive with topsoil condition; prior violation closed

The Enfield Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency voted unanimously July 7 to approve IW-72910, allowing the replacement of a retaining wall within the Upland Review area at 10 Wheeler Drive, and attached a site-specific condition permitting the import of topsoil for planting grass and other softscaping.

Russell Degenza, who said he works for the property owner Dan Smith, told the agency the retaining wall construction was already under way and approximately 75% complete. Planning staff confirmed erosion-and-sediment controls were shown on the site plan but had not yet been inspected.

The motion to approve, moved from the floor and seconded during the meeting, passed on a roll-call vote of six in favor, zero opposed. After the permit vote the agency moved to close the cease-and-desist/violation dated Nov. 4, 2024 related to the same address on the basis that an application had been filed; that motion also passed on a 6–0 roll call.

Agency members asked staff to clarify sequencing: planning staff said a building permit had not yet been issued and that obtaining wetlands approval was the step needed before a building-permit application could be submitted. The agency’s approval was limited to the wetlands permit and the site-specific topsoil condition; members emphasized that final inspection of E&S controls and any building-permit requirements remain outstanding.

The agency’s action includes a condition to allow topsoil only for post-construction softscaping and grass establishment; staff will inspect erosion-and-sediment measures before allowing additional material delivery or grading beyond the work described in the approved site plan.

The agency also recorded that the prior cease-and-desist tied to the property (dated 11/04/2024) will be closed administratively now that the owner submitted the required application and the permit was granted. No fines or additional penalties were announced at the meeting.