Inland Wetlands Commission: Stansfield Honored, Lorraine Lucas Chosen as New Chair

The Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission conducted their recurring monthly meeting on Thursday November 7, 2024, 7:15 PM, at the Goshen Town Hall and via Zoom. Present were Chair Tom Stansfield, Vice Chair Ray Turri, Commissioners, Devin Stilson, Lorraine Lucas, Andy Savage and Dante Malanca. Commissioner Matt Wheeler was excused. Enforcement Officer Spencer Musselman was also present.

Old Business:

Barbara Ziogas of 134 Sandy Beach Road applied to rebuild a damaged existing seawall using the same materials. There was nothing new to report from last month, therefore no further discussion was necessary.  The commissioners voted unanimously to approve the application.

Rebecca Godson, 54 Cornwall Drive, Lot 783, applied to construct a single-family home under the same conditions that were formerly approved. The current permit (2014) recently expired. The original permit was located, the prior conditions were validated and will transfer to the new permit. The commissioners voted unanimously to approve the application with the identical conditions as the original plan.

Judith Grosz 173 Sherbrook Drive, Lot 501 applied to build an enclosed insulated addition and to add driveway space outside of regulated area. Clifford Cooper, Architect confirmed that the site plan was updated for erosion and sedimentation controls. Wetlands were flagged. The plan includes relocation of the generator and AC unit.  The commissioners voted unanimously to approve the application.

New Business:

Fred Nilsen, 411 Milton Road requested an extension of phase 1 deadline to July 1,2025. To date the project has not been started. The owner is currently under litigation. The site remains stabilized.  Bill Colby remains the Project Engineer. The request for extension was unanimously approved by the commissioners but the date was extended to November 1, 2025, with a progress report provided by July 1, 2025.   

Permit Transfer Request from Edmond Meto, Lot 477, Sherbrook Drive – IW Permit 24-4W issued 1/4/24 to Brandon and Karen Sandor for the construction of a new dwelling. Edmond Meto purchased the property and requested that the existing Inland Wetland permit be re-issued to Ed & AJ Building and Remodeling, LLC. The request was unanimously accepted by the Commissioners.

Permit Transfer Request from Edmond Meto, Lot 149 Beuford Court – IW Permit 24-4W issued 3/7/24 to Vance and Jennifer Kusalla for the construction of a new dwelling. Edmond Meto purchased the property and requested that the existing Inland Wetland permit be re-issued to Ed & AJ Building and Remodeling, LLC. The request was unanimously accepted by the Commissioners.

A motion was made to add two new applications to tonight’s agenda. The motion was approved unanimously by the commissioners.

Gary Stango, 54 Bare Hill Road applied for tree removal approval to augment a goat and sheep crop area. There would not be any disruption to wetland areas. Gary shared pictures of the affected area.  He also sent a filing to the USDA. Gary’s request is approved under 4.1 A (exemption for agricultural purposes) of the Goshen Wetlands Commission. All Commissioners unanimously approved the request.

Michael Leitman 12 Wynwood Court, Lot 543/544 applied to amend a prior permit to add a 7 X 50 deck to the recently approved pool.  Spencer will meet with the homeowner to review. The application was unanimously accepted by the Commissioners.  

Agent Determination:

Enforcement Officer Musselman discussed Richard’s, 222 East Hyerdale Drive request to enclose a ground floor area under a first-floor media room. It will not change the existing footprint and requires no excavation.

Inland Wetlands Enforcement Officers Report:

Enforcement Officer Musselman completed a summary of various Inland Wetlands activities including a few from tonight’s agenda. He discussed recent homeowner and contractor meetings and permits issued. The Enforcement Report was unanimously accepted.

Musselman did not have a chance to review the trench on North Street (Arts Barn) mentioned at last month’s meeting.

Other Business Proper to Come Before the Commission:

The 2025 Inland Wetlands Commission regular meeting schedule submitted by Lori Clinton was unanimously accepted.

Vice Chair Ray Turri referenced the town meeting to elect Matt Wheeler and Andy Savage to the Inland Wetlands Commission. As of tonight, a new Chair is also needed. Ray made a motion to approve Lorraine Lucas as the new Chair effective tomorrow (Friday). Lucas accepted and was unanimously approved.  

The Goshen Board of Selectmen were represented by Todd Carusillo and Scott Olson at tonight’s meeting. They were there to recognize Chair Tom Stansfield’s 33 years of service and dedication to the Inland Wetlands Commission. Scott presented Tom with a years of service award certificate.