Groton Open Space Association

ZC Hearing Set For Dec. 1 On Erosion, Stormwater Control

GROTON — The Zoning Commission has set Dec. 1, 2010, as date for a public hearing on proposed changes to commission regulations on stormwater management and erosion and sedimentation control.  (Background)

The date was approved at the Oct. 6 commission meeting, where commissioners discussed a draft of the proposed changes. Commissioner Mariellen French urged Planning Manager Matthew Davis to make reference in the revised regulations to Section 8-2 (b) of the Connecticut General Statutes, which says:

(b) In any municipality that is contiguous to Long Island Sound the regulations adopted under this section shall be made with reasonable consideration for restoration and protection of the ecosystem and habitat of Long Island Sound and shall be designed to reduce hypoxia, pathogens, toxic contaminants and floatable debris in Long Island Sound. Such regulations shall provide that the commission consider the environmental impact on Long Island Sound of any proposal for development.

Mr. Davis questioned whether this wording needed to be explicit in the regulations but ultimately agreed to try to find an appropriate place for it. Commissioner Susan Sutherland backed Ms. French’s request.

Commissioner Susan Marquardt said no mention was necessary in the regulations and suggested a memo instead. Ms. Marquardt, who had been serving as an alternate member of the commission, was named a regular member by the Town Council at its meeting Oct. 5. She replaced Dr. Douglas Brandt, who resigned.

The hearing originally was expected Nov. 3 but was delayed. The regulation change must be referred to some other commissions prior to the hearing. Planning Director Michael J. Murphy said in an email that he would reply this week to a request for a schedule of the referrals.