Goshen Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission
07/02/26, 7:15 PM
Present: Chair Lorraine Lucas, Vice Chair Tom Stansfield, Commissioners Devin Stilson, Dante Malanca, and Ray Turri. Matt Wheeler and Adam Andrusia were Excused. Enforcement Officer Marissa Wright was also present.
Public Hearing:
A) Public Hearing – Ike's Auto Body, 225 North Goshen Road
The public hearing for Ike's Auto Body, located at 225 North Goshen Road, continued with discussion of the submitted delineation report. No representatives for the applicant were present to address the report or its identified deficiencies.
“Once again, they haven't come to this meeting, haven't sent the representative by Zoom,” said Commissioner Tom Stansfield.
A North Goshen Road resident, after being given permission to speak, asked “In the paper, it says they closed the investigation. Why are they doing that?”
“We have reached out to DEEP,” replied Chair Lorraine Lucas. “They're not pursuing this. We've reached out to Maria Horn. It's not getting pursued.”
“You're not giving any support?”
“No, we're not getting any support whatsoever”, Lucas said. “It's very frustrating.”
The report confirms the presence of wetlands within 150 feet of the reported disposal area; however, it only covers the rear portion of the property and does not represent the site in its entirety.
“Now we have it,” Stanisfield said. “We have reason to pursue this from an inland wetland standpoint. Up until, really, this point, we weren't even sure that we had jurisdiction in this. This is indicating that we may, but we still want to see a sketch. We want to see more information from this professional.”
“And get on the property and actually see where the wetland flags are,” Lucas added.
Commissioner Turri commented on the suggestion that people reach out to State Representative Maria Horn. “I have found I've been working with DEEP for the last 20 years because I'm part of the Woodridge Lake Sewage District. I get nowhere. And if I bring in any political assistance, they put up a roadblock. So if you go to political partnerships, it's worse. It's absolutely worse.”
The Commissioners stated they would continue seeking guidance from the Town and the Town’s attorney. They voted unanimously to continue the public hearing at the August 6, 2026, Inland Wetlands Commission meeting.
Approval of Minutes
The minutes of June 4, 2026, meetings were approved as written.
Old Business
A) 21 Breguet Road – Matthew Perry for John O’Leary
Application: Install a holding tank in accordance with plans prepared by Colby Engineering.
A brief discussion took place, during which the completeness of the application and the approval of Torrington Area Health were acknowledged. Following review, the Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the application.
B) 17 Lake Shore Drive – Matthew Perry for Mark Wasdo
Application: Install a holding tank for sewage disposal.
A very brief discussion took place, and the completed application was noted. Following review, the Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the application.
C) 46 Town Hill Road – Ryan Russo for Mark and Miriam Nelson
Application: Reconstruction of waterfront boathouse; construction of a cart path from the main house to the boathouse; construction of a level seating area adjacent to the boathouse; and removal of dead and hazardous trees.
Commission Chair Lucas and Enforcement Officer Wright conducted a site visit to the property. Chair Lucas acknowledged that repairs to the structure are necessary but expressed concerns about the proposed work being performed near the water. Specifically, the Commission discussed the proposed removal of trees and construction of the patio, citing both environmental and safety considerations. They are okay with the cart path.
Mr. Russo described the proposed construction plans for the boathouse and patio. He explained that several trees overhanging the boathouse present a safety hazard and should be removed. He further stated that the proposed patio will be constructed flush with the main floor elevation of the boathouse and will consist of a gravel base topped with bluestone. Brush along the walkway will be cut. Sedimentation control will be in place for the wall.
Following review, the Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the application with condition that the construction details be presented to the Land Use Zoning Official prior to the start of construction and that sedimentation control be used for the wall.
D) 54 Tyler Lake Heights – Thomas Mariano for Nicole Mariano
Application: Reconstruction of a retaining wall along the lake to address unsafe, collapsing steps and prevent soil erosion into the lake.
As additional information was requested, and the property owner was not present, the application was tabled. The Commissioners voted unanimously to table the application.
E) 130 East Hyerdale Drive – Kade Courtois for Michael and Leya Edison
Application: Remodel of the existing deck and patio area, construction of a concrete slab for a new sunroom, reconfiguration of the deck, installation of new custom-fabricated curved metal stairs, and stone veneer work on existing walls and newly proposed steps.
Mr. Courtois confirmed that the plans have not changed. The proposal is to maintain the same footprint as the existing structure while enclosing a portion of the lower deck. The addition of a new rain garden was also discussed. Rainwater from the roof will be redirected to the rain garden to help manage stormwater runoff.
Following discussion, the Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the application.
New Business:
84.5 Sandy Beach Road, Mattew Perry for Barbara Beebe and Suzanne Beach
Application: Install a holding tank. Mr. Perry reviewed the application. Following discussion, the Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the application.
Agent Determination:
197 West Hyerdale Drive, David Mandelbaum, 26-7W – Excavate the existing loose stone surface and up to 10’ of underlying soil within an existing patio’s retaining wall behind the house and replace with stone base material and pavers. Install an 8’X10’X4’reinforced concrete slab within the same patio area and place a hot tub on the slab.
Reviewed by the commission, however, the size needs to be changed from feet to inches. Was incorrect on application.
Inland Wetlands Enforcement Officer Report: June 4, 2026, report was reviewed by the Commission with a brief discussion held on the Milton Road project. The Commissioners approved the Enforcement Officer report.
Other Business Proper to Come Before the Commission: The new application created by Mr. Musselman was to be reviewed. However, a completed copy must be forward to all commissioners and Ms. Wright.
