Commission accepts after-the-fact bridge application for 57 Sodom Road

Paul Batacchi, liaison for the Betts bridge project at 57 Sodom Road, presented an after-the-fact wetlands application the zoning board required and handed the application and fee to the commission. He provided maps showing distances between properties and described site cleanup and stabilization measures.

Mike O'Connor said he had spoken with Mr. Batacchi before the work and advised that review by the commission was not required because the project was essentially landscaping. "He did not have to come before the commission — he was not pouring concrete; he sent photos to Barry and had erosion control," O'Connor said. Commissioner Matt Freund said the applicant should have sought commission review before constructing the bridge.

Commissioner Bob Jacquier noted that removal of the old roadway should reduce trapping during high water, and members discussed that the Massachusetts side of the site had been flagged but the Connecticut side had not. Mr. Freund moved to accept the application; Mr. Allyn seconded and the motion carried. The commission also discussed timing for formal signoffs and mentioned use of Aquaside products for ponds as part of site control and stabilization planning.

The motion to accept the application was recorded as carried; the commission did not record a roll-call tally in the minutes. The commission did not take further formal action at this meeting beyond accepting the submitted application and materials.