Developer revises wetland protection plan to address public concerns in new proposal

The Town of Stratford Inland Wetlands Commission convened on April 18, 2024, to discuss significant revisions to a previously denied application concerning a new community building project. The meeting focused on addressing public concerns raised during earlier hearings, particularly regarding the impact on local wetlands and the protection of the eastern box turtle.

The proposed community building, measuring just over 2,500 square feet, is primarily situated more than 100 feet from the wetlands, with only a small corner encroaching within that distance. The site encompasses over 10 acres of wetlands, with no proposed disturbances within 50 feet of these areas. The applicant emphasized that the existing stormwater basin would remain intact and maintained.

In response to public feedback, the applicant introduced several revisions aimed at enhancing environmental protections. Notably, they proposed expanding the conservation easement by over 60,000 square feet, which would permanently protect additional land within the Upland Review area. This expansion aims to limit future disturbances and ensure the integrity of the wetlands.

The applicant also addressed concerns regarding stormwater management by increasing the capacity of the sewer pump station's storage tank from 4,000 to 32,000 gallons. This enhancement is designed to accommodate potential storm impacts, ensuring that the system can function effectively even during power outages. Additionally, a generator will be included for redundancy.

To further protect the eastern box turtle, the applicant engaged LandTech to conduct a comprehensive habitat assessment. Their findings indicated that the turtle's habitat is located away from the development site. A protection plan was proposed, which includes measures such as silt fencing and relocation protocols during construction to safeguard any turtles that may be present.

The meeting also addressed invasive species management, with LandTech presenting a detailed plan for the removal of invasive shrubs and the restoration of native vegetation across four designated areas. This restoration effort aims to enhance wildlife habitats and improve the ecological health of the site.

Overall, the revisions presented during the meeting reflect a concerted effort to balance development with environmental stewardship, addressing both community concerns and regulatory requirements. The commission will continue to review these proposals in light of the public's input and the ecological considerations outlined.