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Commission raises wetland setback concerns for proposed home at 96 Hale Street
Summary
Applicant Scott Gilmartin presented plans to build a three-bedroom house at 96 Hale Street on a previously developed lot; the North Central District Health Department confirmed septic feasibility, but commissioners expressed concern about encroaching on the commission’s customary 150-foot wetland setback and potential precedent-setting.
At the June 23 meeting the Suffield Conservation Commission held an informal discussion about a proposal by Scott Gilmartin to construct a small three-bedroom house at 96 Hale Street, a parcel described as an existing lot of record that formerly contained a house and barn and is currently subject to tax foreclosure. Gilmartin presented soil testing and septic feasibility information and said the North Central District Health Department confirmed the property's suitability for a septic system.
Commission members acknowledged the benefit of returning the parcel to productive use and expressed sympathy for the applicant’s circumstances but raised significant concerns about the site's extensive wetland constraints and the commission's customary 150-foot setback requirement. Members warned that allowing reduced setbacks could set a precedent and discussed the possibility that locating remnants of the former house foundation could affect future consideration of the proposal. The commission offered feedback and asked the applicant to consider that input before deciding whether to submit a formal application; no formal action was taken.
Note on transcript wording: the agenda listed this item as "Guilmartin"; during the discussion the applicant identified himself as Scott Gilmartin. The transcript does not record a formal application or a vote on the proposal.
