Dollar Tree Gets Green Light from Wetlands Commission

The Windsor Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission voted unanimously Monday night to approve Dollar Tree's application to construct a 1-million-square-foot distribution center on Stone Road.

The vote came after more than eight hours of deliberation and questioning over the course of four meetings, the first having been held in late March.

The commission stated Monday that Dollar Tree's proposed activity on Stone Road will have "limited to minimal impact on the wetlands and watercourses" and the wetlands will be improved after the project's completion with the creation of more than two acres of new wetlands and the introduction of new and varied vegetation for local wildlife.

Little discussion was held during Monday's meeting, as commission members were able to thumb through arguments and information presented by Dollar Tree and legal counsel representing Save Windsor's Neighborhoods, a group of Rainbow residents who, should the project be approved by Town Planning and Zoning Tuesday night, will be the distribution center's new neighbors.

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While the project was approved unanimously, reasons for voting in favor were not uniform across the board.

Commissioner James Simon voted along the lines with his fellow commission members, saying that counsel for Save Windsor's Neighborhoods (attorney Keith Ainsworth), was unable to present information that proves Dollar Tree's project would negatively affect public health or the condition of groundwater. Simon added he views the project to be an enhancement of present water quality and quality of life within surrounding wetlands.

Commissioner Jay Lewis, while agreeing that Ainsworth was unable to present proof that Dollar Tree's actions would cause the deterioration of groundwater and wetlands quality, expressed empathy for residents who spoke out against the project and those who have fears for the project's impact to public health given the presence of pesticides on the site.

Lewis added that it may be appropriate for standards to "be tightened up."

Along with the Commission's approval of the company's application comes a few requirements.

The commission set forth a number of procedural requirements to be carried out — all intended to secure the public's confidence in the quality of their environment, and protect local wildlife.

The requirements include:

• groundwater quality testing on an annual basis and following storm events
• placement of wildlife- and turtle-crossing signs
• employees are given a class administered by Windsor's Wildlife Agent Cyd Groff or the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection on the proper handling of turtles if and when they are encountered on site
• annual analyzation of stormwater catch and retainer basins for required maintenance and cleaning

Dollar Tree's application will come before the Town Planning and Zoning Commission Tuesday, May 8.