Some nearby property owners, concerned about the possible negative environmental effects of developing a South Main Street site for a proposed Tractor Supply Co. store and adjacent outdoor sales area, have told Inland Wetlands Commission (IWC) members of their worries about the project.Neighbors' Concerns

On June 8, the IWC held a second public hearing on the wetlands/watercourses protection aspects of the construction application, in which NERP Holdings and Acquisitions, LLC, proposes developing an upland portion of an 8.2-acre site, which has extensive wetlands. Those wetlands are largely in the form of a red maple swamp on the western section of the property at 116 South Main Street.

NERP would build a 19,097-square-foot store and adjacent 15,053-square-foot fenced outdoor sales area and then rent that real estate to Tractor Supply.

At an initial May 11 public hearing, NERP representatives explained in detail the stormwater control measures and the environmental steps that would be taken to protect the wetlands.

The driveway entrance for Tractor Supply would be positioned across South Main Street from Simm Lane. The development site now holds a circa-1810 two-story house and some outbuildings that would be demolished to make way for the store and related facilities.

Tractor Supply, which is a major retail chain, sells merchandise including home improvement goods, livestock/pet-related products, hardware, tools, lawn and garden maintenance items, clothing, footwear and automotive items, among others.

Again, at the June 8 IWC hearing, engineer James Cassidy, representing NERP, explained the extensive stormwater control measures proposed for the site in view of its extensive wetlands.

The project would have an onsite septic waste disposal system. It also would have public water service. The project would take four months to construct after final approvals are received.

Brian Nadro of 112 South Main Street, who lives next door to the site, expressed concerns about stormwater drainage control and the project's effect on his septic system.

Mr Nadro said that his property is wet, adding that he has a sump pump, which gets heavy use.

He told IWC members that the proposed development would create conditions that would adversely affect the leaching field for his septic system, possibly causing it to fail.

Acting IWC Chairman Mary Curran said that septic system issues are considered by the Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z), when such projects are under review by town land use agencies.

Mr Cassidy told Mr Nadro that the development's design would result in less stormwater runoff reaching his leaching field than now occurs.

Mr Cassidy suggested that if soil conditions indicate that it is advisable to do so, the developer could install a curtain drain to keep stormwater runoff from the development site from reaching the leaching field.

Attorney Christopher Russo, representing 111 South Main Street, LLC, raised objections about the development proposal in seeking that the IWC reject the application.

The firm known as 111 South Main Street, LLC, owns a one-acre parcel at that address, which contains a commercial building that houses Fair Auto Supply of Newtown, Inc, and Newtown Florist.

The firm has an administrative appeal pending in court over the P&Z's approval last November of a change of zone for 116 South Main Street. NERP is proceeding with the IWC application although the P&Z's change of zone is being challenged in court.

At the May 11 IWC hearing, Mr Russo had been told that he should list his client's objections to the project in writing. The attorney thus presented IWC members on June 8 with a detailed letter listing many concerns about the proposal.

In that June 8 letter, Mr Russo wrote, in part, that the proposed development "will have significant negative impact on the wetlands located on site and within abutting properties." The environmental quality of wetlands would be threatened by the proposed development, he said.

Tractor Supply sells fertilizer, pesticides and power equipment that uses gasoline and lubricating oil, Mr Russo wrote. Those items' proximity to wetlands could pose a pollution threat to them, he added.

The attorney also raised pollution issues concerning snow-plowing and the storage of plowed snow at the site; the loading and unloading of hazardous materials; and trash handling at the site.

The lawyer generally contends that the applicant is seeking to construct too large of a project on the site, thus proposing a risk to the wetlands there.

As alternatives to the proposed construction, Mr Russo suggested that the size of the store and the adjacent outdoor sales area be reduced, or that the proposed construction site be moved closer to South Main Street to place it farther from wetlands on the site.

On June 8, IWC members closed the public hearing on the application. They are expected to discuss and possibly act of the application at their June 22 meeting.

In March, Tractor Supply received a town property tax break for locating a store in town, gaining endorsements for the tax reduction from the Board of Selectmen and the Legislative Council.

The firm known as 111 South Main Street, LLC, of Stratford, is seeking to reverse the P&Z's controversial decision to change the zoning designation of 116 South Main Street from R-1 (Residential) to South Main Village Design District/Special Design District-4 (SMVDD/SDD-4).

SMVDD zoning provides for flexible zoning regulations, allowing the applicant and the P&Z to create mutually agreeable zoning rules, which apply only to the site proposed for development under the terms of the SMVDD's Special Design District (SDD) provisions.

The P&Z created SMVDD zoning in 2007 in seeking to preserve the "New England character" of the 4.2-mile-long South Main Street corridor.

The P&Z is expected to hold a public hearing on NERP's request for a special permit for the Tractor Supply project on July 7.