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Board denies Olymbec appeal for Benson Road parcels after owner cites wetlands and 2024 statute
Summary
Robin Stern of Olymbec argued wetlands and Conn. Gen. Stat. § 8-3m (2024) left much of her Benson Road parcels undevelopable; the board denied the appeal for insufficient evidence and noted the lack of a formal appraisal.
Robin Stern, principal owner of Olymbec Preston Park LP, told the board the company owns about 99 acres around Benson Road and the former Chemtura site and that wetlands and a wildlife sanctuary limit developable acreage to roughly 60 acres. Stern cited Conn. Gen. Stat. § 8-3m (2024), arguing the change reduced the parcels’ economic value and that comparable sales in other towns did not reflect the new legislative environment.
Chairman Stephen R. Ferrucci III questioned the absence of a formal appraisal, saying the board was limited by the evidence on the record: “Well there is no economic possibility for what you wanted to do, which was as you stated here (on application) a distribution facility.” Stern said she expected denial and indicated she might pursue court review: “Because you are probably going to send me, you’re probably going to deny me and I’m going to have to go to court anyways, I’ll take care of that then.” The board voted to deny the appeals on the basis of insufficient evidence (motion by Commissioner Brenden M. Browne; seconded by Chairman Ferrucci; unanimous).
