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Commission asks for professional wetland assessment for proposed Woodwill Road house
Summary
Commissioners raised significant concerns about a proposed house sited within the 100-foot upland review area of the Black Hole River; the commission asked the applicant to provide a full-lot plan, a wetland-quality assessment, tree-cutting detail, and stormwater controls and recommended either hiring an independent professional or scheduling a public hearing if the applicant cannot supply the materials.
Owner-developer Mike Zoratni presented a plan to construct a house on a 13-acre lot off Woodwill Road. Commissioners—especially one who identified himself as a professional wetland scientist (retired)—expressed concern that the proposed building and driveway intrude nearly the entire 100-foot upland review area adjacent to what the commissioner described as the Black Hole River, and they requested a more complete set of plans and a third-party assessment of wetland quality, trees to be cut, and stormwater management.
The lead commissioner said a site visit of only 10–15 minutes was insufficient to judge wetlands quality and recommended either that the applicant provide a professional wetland and stormwater report or that the commission schedule a public hearing and independent review. The commissioner noted that the river supports diverse fish and vernal-pool habitat in places and said buffers and alternatives should be evaluated to minimize impacts. Staff confirmed the applicant had a previously approved subdivision and a 2022 wetlands permit for the property but the commission asked staff to provide existing maps and permit documents for further review.
