Conservation Rejects Two Subdivisions

By Andrew Gorosko

The Conservation Commission has turned down wetlands construction permits for two residential subdivision applications, totaling 34 lots.

The rejections concern a 16-lot application for 65 acres off Butterfield Road known as Butternut Ridge, and an 18-lot application for 73 acres off Route 34 in Sandy Hook known as Pasture Farm.

New versions of the development plans will be submitted for commission review.

Raymond-Anderson Properties, LLC, wants to build Butternut Ridge on property bordering Butterfield and Currituck Roads.

Conservation Commission members earlier this month voted to deny the application to give themselves time to thoroughly review a revised subdivision design which they had just received from the applicant, according to commission records.

The revised subdivision design is believed reduce the adverse effects on wetlands and watercourses, compared to a previous version of the development plan.

The commission denied the application without prejudice, allowing the applicant to immediately resubmit development plans without a reapplication fee.

 The applicant submitted initial plans to the Conservation Commission last May. The site is south of the intersection of Butterfield Road and Autumn Ridge Road.

The development proposal attracted criticism from nearby residents when it was the subject of a past public hearing, resulting in the revised plans.

 In another subdivision rejection, Conservation Commission members turned down applicant Sylvester Cocivi’s proposal for Pasture Farm, an 18-lot residential development plan for 73 acres on Route 34 and Paugussett Road.

Conservation Commission members decided the proposal involves unnecessary disturbance of wetlands on seven of the proposed lots, noting there are alternative development approaches which would have fewer or no adverse effects on wetlands and watercourses. The commission waived the fee for a reapplication.

The Pasture Farm subdivision application drew criticism from nearby residents when it was the subject of a public hearing.

McChord Engineering Associates, Inc of Wilton represents the applicant.

 If approved by the Conservation Commission, both subdivision proposals would be subject to review by the Planning and Zoning Commission.