Commission approves West Avon reconfiguration with conservation restriction offer

The Inland Wetlands Commission voted to approve Application #799, allowing reconfiguration of 187 and 189 West Avon Road to create additional building lots while protecting adjacent wetlands.

Engineer David Whitney said the proposal combines two existing lots and re-subdivides them so the net result is two new buildable lots plus the existing house lot; he described a common 12-foot driveway and grading that keeps the new house location on the uphill side of the watershed so drainage will flow away from the wetlands into sandy soils. Eric Davison, the soil scientist, noted a small man-made "cow pond" with possible vernal-pool characteristics but concluded there is low potential it is a vernal pool and that "this work will not result in a significant impact" when done as proposed.

Agent Emily Kyle and commissioners discussed a conservation restriction to protect the wetland and the cow-pond area; Whitney offered a 40-foot conservation restriction along the wetlands. The Connecticut Water Company’s recommendations and DEEP Best Management Practices were discussed; applicants agreed to commit to standard erosion and sediment controls and to maintain the tree canopy over the wetlands where feasible.

Commissioner Carol Hauss moved to approve Application #799 subject to the conditions discussed and those in the CWC report. Commissioner Daniel Carvalho seconded; the motion passed 6-0 with Vice Chair Michael Sacks abstaining. Staff will include the agreed conditions in the approval materials and record any conservation restriction in the deed as directed.