SPECIAL MEETING
ENFIELD CONSERVATION COMMISSION
TUESDAY, August 26, 2008
A meeting of the Enfield Conservation Commission was held on Tuesday, August 26, 2008 in the Thompsonville Room, Enfield Town Hall, 820 Enfield Street, Enfield, Connecticut. Chairperson Mike Dynia called the meeting to order at 7:07 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mike Dynia, Chairman
Natalie George
Gretchen Pfeifer-Hall
MEMBERS ABSENT: Everett Gamble (Alternate Member)
Joanne Kneiss, (Alternate Member)
Karen LaPlante
Tim McGuire
Richard Szewczak
Kathleen Vose (Alternate Member)
ALSO PRESENT: Roger Alsbaugh, Assistant Town Planner
Susan Berube, Recording Secretary
Discussions
· Guests Dave Fredrick & Pat Tallarita to discuss Low Impact Development practices with the commission
Mr. Frederick asked if the use of boulevards is of interest to the Commission.
Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall stated that the members are interested the site drainage and its’ effects on the terrace escarpment soils and the Scantic River.
Mr. Frederick gave a history of the development of the plans with meetings with the fire dept., the police, and the planning department. He explained that he had the option of utilizing two, traditional 24’ wide roads. While reviewing that method, the concept of a boulevard emerged, with each road 20’ wide, which results in less impervious surface.
Commissioner George commented that there will basically be 2 roads – one in and one out of the development. 9 homes will have no on-street parking so any gatherings at those homes would be limited. Also, the divider is not really wide enough to do anything with landscaping. Mr. Frederick stated that 2 homes will likely have an entrance off of Simon Road. 5 homeowners will be made aware of their parking limitations. Homes will have 2 car garages and driveways should be able to hold 4 vehicles.
Mr. Frederick went on to say that originally, the Fire Marshal was against the boulevard concept but changed his mind once a turn-around at the end of the divided section was added to the plans. The police department is in favor of it because it minimizes congestion.
Mr. Tallarita noted that the Planning & Zoning Commission expressed concern over the maintenance of the islands. There will be no trees in the island due to Fire Department concerns. The area will be low maintenance with rocks, low bushes, etc. and will be maintained by the Town.
Commissioner George suggested using the islands for water retention. Mr. Frederick stated that this is the plan, with ground junipers being planted there. Commissioner George also suggested adding fastigiate (narrow up-right) growing pear trees. She offered to provide a list of low growing shrubs and plants that would grow well in sandy soils, with little or no maintenance; plants which have been used by state dept. of public works. The area can also be used as a collection point for road drainage.
Mr. Askew, the North Central Conservation District agent, has walked the site and reviewed the plans. (Enfield is in the process of filling the vacant inland wetlands agent position.) Mr. Frederick stated that he is, at this time, unsure what Mr. Askew will require. From brief conversations with Mr. Askew, Mr. Frederick stated that he is under the impression that Mr. Askew is not in favor of rain gardens.
Commissioner George suggested that roof leaders be directed to leaching basins or at least on ground spreaders. Mr. Frederick explained that he is looking into a system that would hold drainage for use for lawn irrigation.
Mr. Tallarita stated that they are looking to utilize the land to the best of it’s’ ability. There are no plans for clear cutting. They will be working with the slope of the land and the tree line. Clarence Welti was hired to review and address the escarpment soil concerns. Mr. Tallarita noted that all proposed building would be beyond Mr. Welti’s recommended buffer for the escarpment slopes. Mr. Tallarita added that they are looking to protect the environment and minimize any impact to the Scantic River.
Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall stated that the Commission hopes there will be no negative impact to the River. She also asked if rain gardens would be located on the boulevard or on individual properties. Mr. Tallarita replied that it would be on each lot. Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall noted that this would be a great project for rain gardens, with leak offs on each lot so that no piping of drainage would be necessary. Later, Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall suggested using a rain garden in an island area of the cul de sac. Mr. Tallarita replied that Town regulations do not allow for an island within the cul de sac.
Commissioner George asked if deeds could state that the tree lines not be cleared beyond certain points in order to protect the escarpment slopes. Mr. Frederick stated that he had already planned on doing so.
Of the 60 acre parcel, 20 acres will be deeded to the town for Open Space. Mr. Tallarita showed on the map that access to the open space could be gained from the cul de sac area.
Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall noted that the Commission’s main concern is the protection of escarpment slopes. The Town has spent a great deal of money to fix past development problems. She gave the example of Gordon Lane and the fact that owners use the slopes as their own personal dumping ground. Even with deed restrictions, some property owners are unaware or ignore the easement restrictions.
Mr. Alsbaugh asked if conservation easement stewardship might not be more effective administered by the Town. He noted that developers and commissions are becoming more aware of the need for deed restrictions and of the problems associated with enforcement of those restrictions. With only deed restrictions and no formal administrative policy and program many Towns are letting the ball drop.
Mr. Tallarita noted that with new technology, areas can be mapped via satellite and other means. Changes can easily be seen over time this way.
There was a general discussion of the methods of preventing misuse within the conservation easements and the need for practical maintenance plans and oversight for open space. Mr. Frederick pointed out that the Town’s subdivision regulations require that the open space land must be given to the town.
Mr. Alsbaugh asked Mr. Frederick and Mr. Tallarita if the Conservation Commission’s input has been helpful. Mr. Tallarita agreed that it is and added that he is willing to listen and advocate with the Conservation Commission to the authorities on various related matters, such as the Planning & Zoning Commission regarding more progressive thinking. He gave the example of sidewalks for this proposed project. Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall suggested that he request a sidewalk waiver for environmental reasons.
Mr. Tallarita agreed and added that sidewalks do not make sense for this project. Sidewalks would not adjoin other sidewalks and there are maintenance issues for the Town.
Mr. Tallarita noted that the homes will be energy efficient. There have been discussions of using geo-thermal, solar, and photovoltaic systems.
Mr. Frederick stated that he would like to meet with the Commission again, after Mr. Askew provides his report.
In response to a question about the time line for the development, Mr. Tallarita replied that he hopes to meet with the IWWA in early October and would like to begin actual development by next summer.
Commission members discussed the potential need for an ERT report.
Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall noted that only the IWWA or Planning & Zoning Commission can request this. Dr. Welti has already provided comment on the escarpment slopes, the main concern. The Scantic River is a very valuable resource. An ERT would have been a good thing and at no cost to the applicant. It would have also provided suggestions.
At this time, discussion ended.
The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 8:25 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
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Gretchen Pfeifer-Hall, Secretary
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