Groton Open Space Association

IWA Approves Kolnaski School, Groton Highpoint (UPDATED)

GROTON — The Inland Wetlands Agency on March 8, 2006, approved applications for the Catherine Kolnaski Elementary School on the former King Property on Poquonnock Road and the proposed Groton Highpoint subdivision on Hazelnut Hill Road.

The vote on the school was 4 in favor, with 1 abstention. The approval was subject to the builders’ developing a plan to control erosion during the initial clearing and grading of the site.

The vote on the subdivision was 5-0 in favor. GOSA had intervened in the proceeding under Section 22a-19 of the Connecticut General Statutes and had hired a consultant, Sigrun Gadwa. Ms. Gadwa presented an environmental evaluation of the project and suggested several changes in the plan designed to reduce erosion and protect Fort Hill Brook, which flows through the planned development.

The IWA conditioned its approval on, among other things, elimination of an originally planned emergency access road that would have filled 2,917 square feet of wetlands. The fire marshal had stated that the road was not necessary in view of the applicant’s plan to install sprinklers in the homes to be built.

The elimination of the emergency access road was among 12 conditions placed on the approval, most of them designed to check erosion in the steep and rocky terrain where the subdivision is planned. One significant condition strictly limited activity within 100 feet of the wetlands on the eastern side of the proposed development.

The IWA recommended that the Planning Commission approve developer Otto Papparazzo’s request to reduce the interior road width to 26 feet from the standard 30 feet. It also suggested the Commission endorse his proposed mews concept to reduce required grading.

Mr. Papparazzo originally proposed putting 34 lots on the 63-acre site.

[EDITOR'S UPDATING NOTE: The Planning Commission approved the subdivision application Sept. 26, 2006.]