Goshen Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission Meeting

07/01/25

Present: Chair Lorraine Lucas, Vice Chair Ray Turri, Commissioners Matt Wheeler, Dante Malanca, and Adam Andrusia. Enforcement Officer Spencer Musselman was also present. Devin Stilson and Andy Savage were excused.

1. Alicata Family Trust, 181 Bentley Circle – New Home Application

Proposal for a new home within a regulated area at 181 Bentley Circle was presented. Bill Colby (Engineer) presented for the applicant, “The proposal from the Commission is for development with a single family home inland wetlands were flagged by George Melia… The concern that the eastern property boundary is the Marshepaug River and there's also a small area of wetlands located to the north of the property that are from a drainage pipe that crosses Bentley and discharges on the side of road.” Colby stated that “everything is within a hundred feet of the wetlands so we're completely in the up and regulated area, but there are no direct impacts to wetlands.”

Commissioners inquired about drainage, sediment control, and driveway placement. Colby responded, silt fences shown are for control of sediment during construction and it has a driveway… the turnaround area goes over the front setback. So that's going to require a variance from Woodridge but that's something that we're working on.”

After further discussion about site access and stabilization, the commission accepted the application for review.

2. Michael Padover, 333 West Hyerdale Drive – After-the-Fact Rock Removal

Michael Padover appeared before the commission regarding the removal of rocks from the perimeter of his backyard, an action that occurred about 60 feet from the shoreline without prior approval. Padover explained, “We basically took superficial rocks off by hand. I don't know if they did by hand. They used the machinery, but they were… not embedded.” He apologized, “I apologize for not knowing that I need to file a permit and I do apologize sincerely for that.”

Commissioners expressed concern over the lack of a permit and the precedent it might set. Vice Chair Turri stated, “Why do we sit here if people can do whatever they want and then we say, okay, well it's fine. Make a couple of changes here and it's okay, we'll do it.”

The commission decided to continue the matter to the next meeting, requesting a detailed plan and photos from Padover.

3. Michael Leonard, 22 School Hill Road – Pond Dredging Proposal

Sarah Leonard, representing Michael Leonard, joined via Zoom to discuss a plan to hydraulically dredge their pond to improve aeration and water quality for garden irrigation. She described the method: “We're hoping to have it hydraulically dredged. This process will be less invasive overall and it involves a six inch suction tube to remove accumulated sediment.”

A new concern arose regarding a historic kerosene spill in the vicinity. A commissioner noted, “The spill was in 1985. It was 1600 and some odd gallons of kerosene… there was some concern because that watercourse, your pond included, directly go to Dog Pond.” The commission advised Leonard to test the pond sediment before proceeding. Leonard agreed: “I feel like the smart move would be to test it prior to the project starting.”

The commission accepted the application but required soil testing results and a containment plan for dredged material before final approval.

4. Stephen Lasar, 293 West Hyerdale Drive – Deck and Porch Replacement

Architect Steve Azar presented plans to remove and replace an existing deck, screened porch, stairs, and patio with slightly larger versions, including the addition of frost walls. Azar clarified, “The width is going to stay the same. We're going to make the add the screen porch six feet bigger close toward the lake and removing the stairs that are there and replacing them with new stairs.”

Commissioners requested more detailed site plans, confirmation of setback measurements, and sediment control measures before final approval. Azar agreed to provide these at the next meeting.

5. Fred Erik Nilsen, 411 Milton Road – Permit Transfer and Progress Update

Landscape architect Mike Segan updated the commission on the transfer of the wetland permit to new owners, Lazarus and Maria Nikias, following a recent sale. Segan reported, “They’re aware of the wetland permit and very much want to move forward on the project… Our full intent is to move forward and they're also aware of all the conditions of approval.” The commission approved the permit transfer.

Musselman provided updates on several ongoing projects, noting progress on stabilization, compliance, and outstanding issues. He commented, “333 West Hyerdale… it's stabilized now. Yes, the workers owned better permit. I think we can find a better solution so it's more permanent and prevents a better runoff that it is clean water but it's kind going over land and I would like to see maybe bigger detention space in there.” (Note: Mr. Spencer has resigned and will work until new Enforcement Officer is hired).