Politics & Government
Ridgefield IWB Approves Barrack Hill Septic, Advances Abbott Ave. Resolution
Ridgefield wetlands board approved a Barrack Hill septic project, advanced Abbott Avenue and reviewed Carriage House plans.
RIDGEFIELD, CT — The Ridgefield Inland Wetlands Board unanimously approved a septic system replacement at 340 Barrack Hill Road with environmental safeguards, adopted a revised resolution of approval for 27 Abbott Ave., and continued review of a proposed development at Carriage House Drive during its July 23 meeting.
The board voted 5-0 to approve a summary ruling application for a replacement septic system at 340 Barrack Hill Road within the upland review area of wetlands and watercourses. The application, submitted by York Mueller on behalf of property owner Reina Guzman-Soni, replaces a failing septic system. Board members added several special conditions, including installation of an emergency pipe beneath the streambed, creation of a no-mow zone and native planting buffer near the intermittent stream, restoration and stabilization of the stream crossing trench, and a requirement that work occur during dry conditions and be completed by Sept. 30. The legal notice is scheduled for publication July 30, with an effective date of July 31.
See Also: 'Concrete & Real': Ridgefield Committee Pushes Ahead On Police, Fire Facilities
The board also reviewed a summary ruling application for a proposed septic system, driveway and grading work at 0 Carriage House Drive. Applicant Gaurangkumar Rana sought feedback on the project design. Inland Wetlands Agent Caleb Johnson told the board there was no existing wetlands permit for site work already completed on the property. Vice Chair Tim Bishop raised concerns about tree clearing that occurred without wetlands approvals and said any application should address remediation of the violation. Rana said he had been advised by the town's tree warden that a permit was not required for tree removal. Board members recommended additional grading details, stormwater mitigation measures and corrective action before continuing review. The application is expected to return Aug. 27.
The board unanimously accepted for review an application for 225 Bennetts Farm Road involving revisions to previously approved work completed without approvals in the upland review area. A site walk and further discussion will be scheduled.
Members also approved, 4-0 with one abstention, a revised resolution of approval for 27 Abbott Ave. after discussing edits to the proposed special conditions. Chair Susan Baker said she hoped the latest revisions would be the final language sent to legal counsel. A representative of the applicant urged the board to move the approval forward in accordance with a court order. The board approved the updated resolution with general and special conditions. The decision will be published July 30 and take effect July 31.
See Also: Ridgefield Historic District Czars Conditionally Approve Main Street Project
In other business, the board discussed agricultural activities proposed for 313 Old Sib Road. Johnson asked members to clarify how "agriculture as of right" provisions apply to the property because wetlands are present on the site. Property owner Nicholas Renzulli said he hopes to operate a nursery focused on permaculture and flowers and wanted guidance on any future use of regulated wetlands. Baker said the board would review the applicable regulations before providing additional direction.
The board voted 4-0 to release a $37,216 planting bond for landscaping at 100 Danbury Road after Johnson reported the required plantings were installed and in good condition.
Johnson also briefed the board on streambank erosion along Miry Brook near Chipmunk Lane on Conservation Commission property. Baker said the issue should be referred to the Conservation Commission, and Johnson said he would bring it to that board's attention.
