Stratford wetlands commission hears appeal on 10-unit condominium's cease and desist order

The Town of Stratford Inland Wetlands Commission convened on February 21, 2024, to address ongoing concerns regarding the residential condominium development at 600 Silver Lane. The meeting highlighted a significant dispute over a cease and desist order issued against the project, which has been mired in regulatory complexities since its inception.

Attorney Steve Bellas, representing the developers, argued that the project had complied with all necessary regulations and that the wetlands commission had previously determined there would be no adverse impact on the wetlands. He emphasized that the project had been approved for 10 units, down from an initial proposal of 14, following a settlement agreement reached in 2022. Bellas contended that the commission's issuance of a permit was unnecessary since the project did not involve any regulated activities within the Upland Review area.

However, the commission, represented by Attorney Kelly, countered that the developers had not adhered to the terms of their permit, particularly regarding construction sequencing and the installation of sediment and erosion controls. Kelly pointed out that excavation and soil movement had already begun on-site, which constituted a breach of the permit conditions. She insisted that any modifications to the project plans required a permit modification, which had not been sought by the developers.

The discussion revealed a stalemate between the developers and the commission, with both sides expressing a willingness to resolve the issue amicably. The commission proposed that Bellas submit the revised plans for review at their next meeting in March, allowing for a thorough evaluation of the changes made to the project.

This meeting underscores the ongoing challenges faced by developers in navigating local regulations and the importance of compliance with environmental protections. The outcome of the next meeting could determine the future of the Silver Lane development and set a precedent for similar projects in Stratford.