Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Environment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents, conservation commission raised flooding and open-space concerns over Groton parcels
Summary
Public commenters and the Town of Grattan Conservation Commission raised concerns about flood zones, wetlands, open space and whether the city's proposed process complied with recorded agreements; mayor said FEMA flood layers and GIS imagery were reviewed and the town would be notified per the deed.
At the public hearing and during Committee of the Whole discussion, residents and the Town of Grattan Conservation Commission raised questions about flood risk, wetlands, and whether maps account for changes after a prior land swap.
Mayor Russ said the parcel maps were obtained from the Town of Groton's GIS portal and that aerial imaging was last updated in March 2023; FEMA flood map layers, wetlands and topography overlays were reviewed as part of the initial assessment. She told the council the city would follow deed and foreclosure agreement requirements and would notify the town of any proposed non-public use, giving the town 90 days to object.
A councilor who inspected the property reported dense invasive growth and brambles, and suggested stewardship or grants for coastal resilience and improved drainage rather than immediate sale. Multiple councilors said they wanted more information before moving forward, including buildability details and whether subdividing was permitted under the deed and zoning.
