Groton Open Space Association

IWA Approves Four Winds Application, Disallows One Crossing; Vote Split

GROTON–The Inland Wetlands Agency approved June 25, 2003 a developer’s application for a “residential life care community” on approximately 105 acres of the Watrous Property.

The Agency voted 4-1, with Alternate Robert L. Ashworth dissenting, to allow the project, with the provision that one wetlands crossing at the north end of the project (Crossing C) be eliminated, which would reduce the planned 161-unit development by 12 units. Two other units were eliminated for other reasons, leaving 147 approved.

The project still requires approval of the Zoning Commission. The Planning Commission, with responsibility to consider the site plan, won’t hold a public hearing, a town employe said. The Town Council’s Committee of the Whole has plans to consider a Conservation Commission recommendation that the Watrous Property be preserved.