Commission approves Lakeshore Drive wall replacement and 19-foot addition with conditions

At its Sept. 15 meeting the East Haddam Wetlands and Watercourses Commission approved an application by Greg and Virginia Kacolia to remove and replace an existing stone wall at 204 Lakeshore Drive and to add a 19-foot extension toward the upland side.

Commission discussion focused on materials and long-term shoreline stability. Commissioners and the applicants discussed using natural, flat field stone or a dry (stacked) block system with filter fabric and crushed-stone base to allow drainage and to minimize winter ice damage. One commissioner observed the town has generally avoided mortared concrete walls because they "make the lake look like a bathtub." The commission added a condition that the applicant document construction with photos during work and upon completion and submit them to the land use office.

The applicants also described moving a kitchen/storage addition to improve ventilation, maintaining the home as a three-bedroom structure, and adding gravel and native plantings to disperse roof runoff and discourage geese. The motion to approve the application as presented (with the photo condition and adherence to the submitted Dutch plan dated Sept. 1, 2026) carried on the record; the minutes record the approval but do not list a detailed numerical vote.