Housing Development Pitched For Ridgefield Rejected: Report

RIDGEFIELD, CT — A developer's bid to construct a 3-story apartment project at 27 Abbott Ave. has been denied by the Inland Wetlands Board, reports the Ridgefield Press.

The proposal had called for 14 townhouse apartments to be constructed on a half-acre site, and it's possible the development may have included affordable housing units too, the Ridgefield Press reported. (Read more at the Ridgefield Press).

According to meeting minutes from the Oct. 12 wetlands meeting, it states:

"Attorney (Thomas) Beecher guided the Board regarding the determination they have to make for the intervention and state on record the reasons that there is a feasible and prudent alternative to the proposal presented by the applicant and that the proposed project will have negative impact on the wetlands and watercourses.

"Members after much discussion deliberated to deny the applications, stating the reasons:

• Detrimental impact to the wetland from runoff flowing directly into the wetland and the thermal effects of that runoff as well, particularly during hotter times of the year. The stormwater management system will not sufficiently remove harmful sediments, chemicals, and substances prior to flows reaching the wetland. The close proximity of the outfall as well as likely overflow runoff to the wetland during storm events leaves little or no room for natural or other additional filtration before flows enter the wetland.
• A feasible and prudent alternative exists consisting of an increased buffer between the wetland and the limits of construction of at least 75 feet."

The motion to deny the project was approved unanimously.

You can view the town's Oct. 12 meeting minutes by clicking here.