Goshen Inland Wetlands Commission: After-the-Fact Application Made But Approval Delayed for 54 Bare Hill Road

10/15/2025 Special Meeting
Present: Chair Lorraine Lucas, Vice Chair Ray Turri, Commissioners Devin Stilson, Matt Wheeler, Dante Malanca, and Gary Stango Sr. Enforcement Officer Spencer Musselman was also present. Adam Andrusia was excused. 

NEW BUSINESS:
Gary Stango Jr., 54 Bare Hill Rd., After the fact application for adding a land bridge with culvert pipe for animal crossing between pastures over the wetlands area.

Mr. Stango stated that he had an understanding that connections of his 2 fields included permission for a culvert pipe when his original permit was approved in November of 2024. He said he contacted Mr. Musselman as soon as he heard that an additional permit may be needed. He said he was told by the U.S. Department of Agriculture that he needed to put a pipe in an area that would minimally impact wetlands.

Note: Musselman has said that he discovered the unpermitted culvert during a site visit and instructed Stango to file the application for the culvert as well as parking.

Musselman confirmed that a silt fence and added vegetation have taken nicely. He agreed with the Chairman that the culvert pipe was not on the original permit. Mr. Stango will add fencing in the Spring to keep sheep and goats out of the wetland areas. The culvert pipe and bridge are complete.

The Commission requested for the next meeting: pictures of the culvert, drawings, additional narrative, and type of fill. The Commission was informed of overflow parking during the Forsaken Lands event within 100 feet of the wetlands for 16 cars. Mr. Stango said he thought he could use that area for overflow based on his Land Use Attorney’s interpretation. The Chairman stated that you must come before the Commission while in the 100-foot wetlands area. An application will need to be submitted for parking within the regulated area.

A motion was passed to accept the application. Commission member Gary Stango, Sr., the applicant’s father, abstained.

11/6/2025 Regular Meeting
Present: Chair Lorraine Lucas, Vice Chair Ray Turri (Zoom), Commissioners Devin Stilson, Matt Wheeler, Dante Malanca, Adam Andrusia, and Gary Stango, Sr. Enforcement Officer Spencer Musselman was also present.

OLD BUSINESS: 
Gary Stango, Jr., 54 Bare Hill Rd., After-the-fact application for adding a land bridge with culvert pipe for animal crossing between pastures over the wetlands area.

Mr. Stango presented pictures of the culvert and stated that they match the size of the ones on the street. If there is no rain, no continuous flow. They are 18 feet long. Mr. Stango indicated that fencing would be added to the side and that no cars cross the culvert. Fencing will narrow it down and it’s also used for a tractor and equipment.

Chair Lucas stated that she is surprised that 18 feet is needed for animals. She wants the application to be current, and it should have been submitted not just for an animal crossing.

Enforcement Officer Musselman said that the application needs clarification and he recommends that the commission delay any action. The primary use is for animals, but fencing should be added to the application.

Commissioner Stilson said he didn’t go on the property but noticed that there may have been a tremendous amount of foot traffic. A lot of people were seen walking back and forth.

A motion was made and approved that no action be taken. The Commission will wait for an amended application.

NEW BUSINESS: 
Richter & Cegan Inc. for Lazoros and Maria Nikeas, 411 Milton Rd. – Extension request of permit.

Mike Cegan representing Lazoros and Nikeas asked for an extension to deadline from Nov. 1, 2025, to July 1, 2026. Cegan was here in July to transfer the permit to the current owners. They are working on design, but it won’t be completed in time to get it out to bid. Chair Lucas stated that she would rather see it delayed and get done correctly. Enforcement Officer Musselman commented that the site is stabilized, and the house will be built closer to Milton Rd.. Vice Chair Turri mentioned that this is the property that was impermissibly clear cut, and regulations (phase 1) are in place that must be completed before any work can be done on the property. The house construction can’t begin until phase 1 is completed. Cegan confirmed that understanding. Any design change in the regulated area needs to be permitted.

A motion was made and approved to extend the permit for phase 1.

David Schmidt, 210 East Hyerdale Dr. – Permit transfer and extension request for permit 17-11-02W.

Enforcement Officer Musselman spoke with Martin Connor about the permit, which expired during Covid. The State allows extensions of up to 14 years under Covid windows for transfer of property into the new owners’ hands and the extension of the permit.  Nothing has been done on the property.

A motion to extend the permit was made and approved.

An item was added to the agenda with approval from Commissioners:

Raj and Jennifer Wadehra, 200 East Hyerdale Dr. – Shoreline Stabilization.

Martin Connor is the applicant. Homeowners want to reinforce the existing rip-rap seawall with natural field stone. No heavy equipment will be used. It’s 30 inches in height and will not alter the existing shoreline. Chair Lucas needs to be sure that if the Commission accepts the application, the homeowner knows there is to be no equipment in the water. Enforcement Officer Musselman spoke with Connor today and requested that more information be provided next month.

A motion was made to accept the application with more information to come on how it will be handled, including diagrams and a print of the current information.

AGENT DETERMINATION:

David Schmidt, 210 East Hyerdale Dr. – Installation of stone steps, approximately 50’ from shoreline.

Matin Connor was the applicant for David Schmidt, requesting that stone steps be added to a grass area approximately 50 feet from shoreline. All work was completed by hand.  Agent Determination was issued in late September.

INLAND WETLANDS ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS REPORT:
Enforcement Officer Musselman referred to 54 Bare Hill Rd.’s after the fact application and the project discussed at 411 Milton road. He is fully involved with enforcement issues at 35 School Hill Rd. (oil tank farm) and 54 Bare Hill Rd. (Forsaken Lands event venue). Musselman completed his review, briefly mentioning several other properties.

CORRESPONDENCE:
There are two items; 1) Email from Michael Leonard to withdraw an application for 22 School Hill Rd., 2) An email from Sarah Leonard & Family requesting to be copied on all correspondence related to the mechanical permit issued for 35 School Hill Rd..

OTHER BUSINESS PROPER TO COME BEFORE THE COMMISSION
Section 4.1 permitted uses of right – Chair Lucas added this document for discussion. They see a lot of applications for agricultural permits. It was asked if there could be an addendum to the application. The commission can’t change any rules but can focus on 4.1.a to prove that they are actually doing agriculture. They will look at it next month, as well as potential municipal fines for noncompliance.