Two New Members On Inland Wetlands Agency

Robert Whitney told me that he attended a meeting of Inland Wetlands in November and commented to Carta that the Agency seemed to have a large number of vacancies. These vacancies have been longstanding, but after Whitney's remarks, Carta consulted with Mayor Giuliano, and the result was two new appointments. At the first meeting of 2011, last night, Whitney and Daniel Pelletier began two year terms as Agency members.

Effective service on Inland Wetlands requires significant knowledge of the State laws regarding wetlands protection, as well as the ability to apply those laws fairly and in a legally justifiable manner to the inevitable idiosyncrasies of Middletown land use and water flow. It is not a glamorous job, but it is an important service to the community.

Whitney has extensive experience, having previously served on the Wetlands Agency for many years. In fact, three of the applications on last night's docket were modifications or extensions of applications Whitney had seen during his previous service.

The agency approved the construction of a house, driveway, and septic system for a new lot on Wilcox Road. These will all be within the 100 foot upland review area, but the Agency felt that they would not adversely impact the wetlands.

The agency also approved modifications to a development called Maple Shade Village, and to one called Autumn Meadows off of Saybrook Road. Finally, they granted a 5-year extension to a wetland permit for the Pistol Creek subdivision on Atkins Street.