North Stonington wetlands unit members call “fonsi” finding inadequate

NORTH STONINGTON–Members of the town’s Inland Wetlands Commission have sharply criticized a finding by a state team that a proposed subdivision in the area of Billings Lake would cause no significant environmental damage, The Day reported.

An Aug. 31, 2003 article by Dan Pearson quoted members as saying the report containing the finding was “a cut-and-paste job” with “generic verbiage” that failed to enlighten the board on the incremental effects of development around Billings Lake. The report had been prepared by the Eastern Connecticut Environmental Review Team (ERT), a state-funded unit of experts that is supposed to help municipalities evaluate building projects.

The project, proposed by Ledyard developer Mark Coen for 160 acres of land around Billings Lake that now is owned by Ruth Griffin, would comprise 17 homes. The commission said the ERT didn’t address adequately the long-term, cumulative effects of residential building at Billings Lake. Commissioners said they believe the 17-home project could be only the first in a series, because Mr. Coen and his partner, Nathan Weiss, have an option on several other tracts currently owned by Ms. Griffin. (The full story can be seen at: www.theday.com Registration required.)

Environmental Impact | August 31, 2003