Thompson commission approves Lang Loy subdivision with shared driveway, culvert and limited wetlands fill

The Thompson Wetlands Commission voted to approve SUBD26018, the re‑subdivision and shared‑driveway proposal for Joseph Lang Loy at 95 Lentin Road, after staff said the design preserves existing flows and recent delineation showed no adverse impacts.

Chair Christopher Dustin opened discussion of the application and invited the applicant’s representative and neighbors to comment. Neighbor Camela (who later identified herself as Kimmy Bernett) expressed concern that installation of a 40‑foot, 18‑inch RCP culvert and associated fill could back water up onto her property and said she had not been notified of a recent inspection.

Wetlands enforcement officer Margaret Washburn told the commission she inspected the site and that the proposed new 18‑inch culvert would match the existing pipe and “I don’t think there’s going to be any impact to the water flow on either side of this new proposed driveway.” Daniel, the applicant’s engineer/representative, told the board he was “very confident that the proposal ... is not going to cause flooding or damage to your property,” noting the existing pipe was partially blocked and the new work should improve flow.

The plan before the commission includes an 18‑inch culvert under a shared driveway, about 2,000 square feet of wetlands alteration for the crossing (below the Army Corps threshold that typically triggers a federal permit), and 17,400 square feet of upland alteration for a septic upgrade. Commissioners said Margaret’s recent redelineation and on‑site inspection, together with the engineer’s explanation and the applicant’s commitment to submit required drawings, supported approval.

Commissioner Morano moved to approve SUBD26018; Commissioner Langanger seconded. Commissioners recorded votes in favor during roll‑call and there were no opposing votes or abstentions. The commission confirmed conditions of record‑keeping and that required contractor/owner submissions (final engineered drawings and any remaining agency clearances) be provided to staff.

The decision follows a close review of the site plan, on‑the‑record neighbor concerns and the wetlands enforcement officer’s inspection. The commission said it would monitor implementation and revisit the matter if unexpected off‑site impacts appear.