Engineer outlines drainage and wall plans for 6 Ledgwood Place; board requests soil tests and wetlands mapping

Representatives for the Besson residence at 6 Ledgwood Place described plans for exterior improvements — retaining walls, a sports court, pergola and fire pit — and told the North Castle Planning Board on April 27 they expect to use engineered drainage to protect neighboring septic areas and wetlands.

Joe Rizzoli of Rizzoli Engineering told the board the primary goal is family safety: "There's 3 children. They need a place to play." He outlined two drainage approaches: a standard infiltration (Caltech) system or a closed‑pipe storage approach with metering and a hydrodynamic separator if site constraints require it. Rizzoli said walls would range from roughly 6 to 13 feet in height but noted the property is set back and "nobody on the other side can see them." The applicant said they will install robust erosion controls and certify engineered work.

Town staff recommended a site visit and additional technical work. Adam, a planning staff member, flagged nearby wetland areas shown in GIS and asked that the applicant map wetlands and show buffer lines; he also said that the wetlands could trigger additional permitting. Rick asked for soil/sawdust testing and cut‑and‑fill figures to verify drainage calculations. The board scheduled an on‑site staking visit for the project and asked the applicant to stake the playing field and pool locations before the visit.

Why it matters: The project involves substantial grading and retaining walls adjacent to sensitive areas. The board emphasized the need to confirm that new impervious surfaces and walls will not adversely affect neighboring septic systems or wetlands.

Next steps: Applicant to provide a wetlands depiction on plans, submit the required soil testing and sampling protocol, install erosion controls, and meet staff on site for the scheduled field visit.