Woods End Road owner argues wetlands and easement lower property value; requests 25% land reduction

Therese Dykman told the Fairfield appeals panel on March 5 that her Woods End Road property is encumbered by a town engineering easement containing an open ditch approximately six feet wide and three to four feet deep, wetlands and an upland review setback that stretches roughly 100 feet and covers much of her yard. Dykman said those restrictions prevent access, mowing, and development in portions of the lot and reduce its marketability.

"It consists of an open ditch approximately 6 feet wide by 3 to 4 feet deep running across the entire property," Dykman said, and she told the panel conservation and engineering restrictions prevent filling or fencing the area. She said the lot was developed in 1954, before wetland regulations, and that soil mapping and conservation review would be required to enlarge or rebuild the home — a process she estimated would cost more than $10,000 and provides no guarantee of approval.

Dykman asked the board to apply a 25% reduction to the land value rather than the 5% consideration currently recorded, and to adjust the house value to reflect deferred maintenance and original features. The clerk reviewed the field cards and comparisons Dykman supplied and acknowledged that the three comparables presented lack wetland encumbrances and appear unencumbered, which supports the appellant's request for a larger land adjustment.

The clerk said she will attach Dykman's photos, maps and field cards to her file and present the case to the full board for a vote. No board decision was recorded at the March 5 hearing; the clerk said the appellant will receive a mailed decision after the full board reviews the appeal.