Newtown Inland Wetlands Commission Reviews Violations, OKs Culvert

NEWTOWN, CT — The Newtown Inland Wetlands Commission met Wednesday to address permit violations related to a Mount Pleasant Road development and approved a driveway culvert replacement for a local church.

Permit Violations Spark Concerns

The commission discussed ongoing issues at 115 Mount Pleasant Road, where construction and clearing have exceeded approved permits. Property owner Azeez Bhavnagarwala and engineer Alan Shepard presented a revised plan after a series of unapproved alterations were made to the site.

Deputy Director of Land Use Steve Maguire detailed previous infractions, including excessive clearing, an unpermitted crossing, and failure to implement required wetland buffer restoration. Despite a 2023 permit approval for site improvements and mitigation efforts, an inspection revealed continued violations.

Commission members expressed frustration over the unauthorized changes. Chair Sharon Salling emphasized that while certain activities had been approved, others had been carried out without permission.

To address the violations, the commission urged a phased restoration plan, prioritizing the original approvals. Suggestions included reestablishing a 40-foot buffer, improving wetland crossings, and implementing a detailed planting plan. Shepard and Bhavnagarwala agreed to present a revised timeline at the next meeting.

The application was continued to March 26.

Church Culvert Replacement Approved

The commission also unanimously approved an application from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to replace a damaged driveway culvert at 16 Saw Mill Road.

Engineer Donald Smith explained that the existing culvert was damaged in an August 2024 rainstorm. The replacement will be a three-sided precast concrete box culvert, designed to accommodate a natural riverbed bottom. The work, expected to take place between July and September, will involve erosion control measures and oversight from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).

The commission praised the thoroughness of the plan before granting approval with standard conditions.

Other Business

The commission briefly reviewed minutes from its previous meeting, approving them with no substantive changes. Members also reflected on the recent Connecticut Association of Wetland Scientists (CAWS) conference, noting an informative presentation on light pollution.

With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:17 p.m. The commission will reconvene on March 26 to further discuss the Mount Pleasant Road violations.