Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Avon wetlands panel continues review of two-lot Breezy Knoll house proposal
Summary
The Inland Wetlands Commission continued Application #798 for two proposed houses at 10 and 20 Breezy Knoll after commissioners raised concerns about narrow buffers, stormwater impacts, and potential vernal-pool habitat; staff will seek North Central Conservation District input and the applicant will return next month.
The Inland Wetlands Commission of Avon continued consideration of Application #798 — a proposal by David and Gail Rubinfeld to build single-family houses, driveways and utilities on lots at 10 and 20 Breezy Knoll — after commissioners said key technical questions remained unanswered.
Engineer David Whitney, representing the owners, summarized prior approvals for the lots dating to the 1980s and presented a plan that reconfigures lot lines to create two roughly equal parcels, limits disturbance to about 2.07 acres (16.7% of the site) and proposes filling 633 square feet of a small wetlands finger. Whitney said soil scientist George Logan delineated wetlands across the development area (155 flags) and concluded the plan "will not be a significant or adverse impact" to regulated resources and that proposed mitigation would preserve functions and values post-construction.
Commissioners pressed for more detail on hydrology, stormwater treatment and wildlife. Commissioner Robert Breckinridge noted a site photo that "had all the appearances of a vernal pool" and asked whether Logan had surveyed for amphibian egg masses; Breckinridge quoted Logan's report excerpt that "the submitted plan's focus (was) on the feasibility of lot development the details on the handling of storm water have not yet been provided." Vice Chair Michael Sacks read from Logan's Section 3.23 about continued groundwater infiltration under proposed conditions but said he remained unconvinced and asked for an independent review.
Concerns centered on buffer widths and proximity to a perennial watercourse and an existing box culvert. Commissioner Thomas Kassan said his research suggested recommended riparian buffers of 50–100 feet in many contexts and questioned the plan's use of a 10-foot temporary green buffer in places. Whitney said much of the two lots falls within the upland review area and that the owners have invested in prior approvals and site improvements, including a sewer extension and culvert.
Staff wetlands agent Emily Kyle told the commission the North Central Conservation District (NCCD) can recheck delineations, review erosion- and sediment-control and stormwater plans, and typically provides input within about two weeks if asked. Commissioners agreed that NCCD input would be useful before taking further action.
Commissioner Gary Gianini moved to continue the application to the next IWC meeting to allow the applicant to address commissioners' questions and for staff to request NCCD review; Commissioner Thomas Kassan seconded and the motion passed unanimously. The commission set no public hearing tonight; staff noted the IWC has statutory timelines (65 days) for hearing determinations and the applicant may be asked to grant an extension if more time is needed.
