Groton Open Space Association

Groton IWA Makes First Use Of New Expert-Hiring Power

GROTON — The Inland Wetlands Agency has made the first use of its new power to hire expert consultants to evaluate proposed building project applications, with the bill going to the applicant.

The IWA on June 14, 2006, voted 4-0 on a motion by alternate member Mary Ellen Furlong to hire an expert to evaluate anticipated storm water runoffs and their impact on wetlands that could result from the proposed Mystic Woods Active Senior Housing complex on Fort Hill.

Fees for the expert would be paid by Hawthorne Development Partners LLC, of Woburn, Massachusetts, which has proposed the project for 105 acres on Fort Hill between Flanders Road and Route 1. As previously announced, the over-55 housing project would consist of 241 units.

The IWA declared that the project has the potential for a major impact on wetlands and thus needs a public hearing. It was scheduled for July 26. The tract on which the project would be built has 11 wetlands.

The agency had voted April 12, 2006, to amend its regulations, as permitted by state law, to allow the hiring of independent consultants at developers’ expense. The amendment took effect May 1.

A town-wide ordinance that would extend similar powers to the Zoning Commission and Planning Commission was introduced to the Town Council Committee of the Whole Feb. 28, 2006, but has yet to be approved.

In the Mystic Woods matter, GOSA has hired Penelope C. Sharp as a consultant, while the developer has hired Rema Ecological Services, of Manchester.