Stratford approves 6,000-sq-ft marina at 500 Sniffins Lane with remediation, landscaping and stormwater conditions

The Stratford Zoning Commission on April 24 approved a special-case application allowing Landing Strip LLC to construct a 6,000-square-foot marine service building and shipyard at 500 Sniffins Lane.

Attorney Barry Knott, representing the applicant, told the commission the application cleared prior technical reviews including a DEEP coastal-area-management inquiry and a Board of Zoning Appeals variance related to FEMA flood-elevation requirements. Knott said the applicant recorded the required ZBA approval in the land records and updated architectural and landscape plans to incorporate previous ARB comments.

Planning staff and commissioners tied approval to a set of conditions the commission spelled out on the record. Those conditions include compliance with the town engineer27s memo, adherence to Architectural Review Board recommendations, measures to remediate contaminated soils and install a protective cap to DEEP standards, required siltation and erosion controls before site work, and a planting plan acceptable to the conservation superintendent. The commission also required a letter from a licensed engineer confirming the project27s compliance with Stratford27s MS4 stormwater permit prior to construction.

Knott described the site as a water-dependent use appropriate for the location on the Housatonic and said the applicant had incorporated requested building enhancements and a landscape plan. He also acknowledged the need to secure the property because boats and marine equipment will be stored there.

The commission added a condition giving the applicant flexibility between a solid six-foot security fence and equivalent vegetative screening where coastal regulations or DEEP would prohibit a fence. Members also noted the Waterfront Harbor Management Commission27s recommendations and required that the applicant satisfy any outstanding DEEP enforcement issues tied to derelict structures prior to issuance of permits.

The motion to approve the special-case application passed by unanimous roll-call vote. The commission recorded the final approval with the listed conditions and directed staff to keep the required compliance documentation on file.