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Avon’s Inland Wetlands Commission approves permit for 100 Nod Road

  • jfitts0
  • Mar 11, 2023
  • 7 min read

By John Fitts

Staff Writer

AVON – On March 7, the town’s Inland Wetlands Commission approved, by a 3-2 vote, a wetlands permit for 100 Nod Road, where a local developer is planning a residential development.

100 Nod Way, LLC, managed by local developer P. Anthony Giorgio, PhD., is looking to develop 13 single-family homes and 8 buildings with 42-townhouse, common interest units on the 9.3-acre parcel.

“We are pleased by the decision last night by the Avon Inland Wetlands Commission,” Giorgio said the following day. “The science spoke for itself and the Commission clearly understood and respected the science.”

According to the development team, the proposal will have no negative impact to any wetlands or watercourse, including the Farmington River.

Watercourses on the south and north end of the sites were “channelized,” to varying degrees, in the 1990s when the town straightened a portion of Nod Road by paving a connection between two sharp curves, according to the application.

Developers said that no wetland will be directly disturbed and that only a very small amount of construction work will be temporarily performed in a small portion of the 100-foot upland review area.

Developers also emphatically asserted that the development would have no effect on the periodically flooding on the property, which they contend is caused by poorly maintained culverts on either end of the parcel.

The development’s stormwater management will utilize a different culvert in the middle of the property and have no effect on the Farmington River, according to developers.

Several residents and some commission members, however, contend that the plan is not carefully thought out. At the opening hearing on Jan. 9, several members of the public addressed climate change and asserted that the application should take into account future rainfall predictions. While only a few members of the public spoke at the March 7 continuation of the hearing, Aimee Petras, executive director at the Farmington River Watershed Association, emphasized that theme. Petras wrote to the commission and spoke at the March 7 hearing installment.

In her letter, Petras said the parcel is important for absorbing precipitation, as well as runoff from Talcott Mountain.

“As you may be aware, Nod Road flooded several times during the wet season of 2021,” she wrote. “This proposal will only exacerbate the existing conditions at this location and the stormwater design control for this parcel is only for a 1-inch storm event. Designing a stormwater system for a one-inch rain conveyance in insufficient for the expected increasing rainfall that the Northeast will experience due to climate change. The property at 100 Nod Way contains soils that have been altered by previous land uses, which have resulted in conditions that may not appear to meet the definition of wetland soils. Climate models predict increase annual precipitation and frequency of heavy downpours, increasing flood risks. Precipitation from extremely heavy storms has increased 70 % since 1958. During the next century average annual precipitation and the frequency of heavy downpours is likely to keep rising.

Despite the historical changes to this parcel concerning its wetland soils and characteristics, the parcel still behaves as though there is a watercourse flowing through it. As such, it is known that the Eastern Box Turtle, a state species of concern, has made this their home with their greatest threat being habitat loss, as noted in the NDDB. (Natural Diversity Database Maps).”

The development team pushed back on such assertions at both hearing installments, as well as in a prepared response to questions that surfaced at the January meeting.

“Stormwater management practices integrated in the designs presented include managing peak flows for heavy rains, up to an including the 100-year storm event,” the applicants stated in that response letter. “The analysis was conducted following CT DOT methodologies for peak flow and culvert capacity analysis using the most current NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) ATLAS 14 rainfall data for the project area from NOAA website. The methodologies used are in conformance with town requirements.”

“We do factor in changes in rainfall based on climate change, assuming it is resulting from climate change,” attorney Timothy S. Hollister of Hartford-based Hinckley Allen added at the March meeting, on behalf of the developer. “That’s all factored in and we said that’s all we can do is factor in the latest data. We can’t guess as to where the data is going to go and nobody can so we’re doing the best that anyone can do with an engineering calculation. Our stormwater calculations show that even with an extreme storm, the subject property, where the development will occur, will not flood.”

The development team said it will – and must – follow strict state requirements to protect Eastern Box Turtles if they are found but asserted that the wetland is the protected resource and that the commission must determine if there’s will be an adverse impact to the “function of value of a watercourse.”

The issue of climate change came up again in the public portion of the meeting as Petras asked whether the application team used the 2004 stormwater quality manual or updated information from a draft that DEEP is currently working on for an updated manual.

“For a large property like this that might be developed after this stormwater manual is in effect, wouldn’t you think it would be prudent to edit your proposal to use those guidelines?” she asked.

“No I think we should use whatever the current standard is that’s currently published as best management practices and recommended by the Connecticut DEEP,” said Guy A. Hesketh – engineer at F.A. Hesketh and Associates, another member of the application team. “I don’t want to speculate on what might happen in the future.”

Commissioners, for their part, were split in their outlook.

Robert Breckinridge said that while he didn’t like aspects of the project, he felt the application met the regulations.

“I am quite uncomfortable with this project, per se. My uncomfortable issues are not related to wetlands. I want to make that clear as to them meeting the standard of our wetlands guidelines and regulations,” he said. “I feel they have met those conditions. My initial concerns were with the flooding – as well as everyone else – but we have been told by an expert witness that the flooding is not related to this project. It’s something that’s existing and, as we all heard, it’s a result of lack of maintenance of the culverts. I ,too, had some concerns about the box turtles. Again, we’re being told they’re following a protocol that the state has initiated and again, I don’t feel that’s a reason to deny the application if they’re following best practices that the state has recommended. … And the concern that this parcel harbors wildlife, I have that concern but again, our regulations constrain us they don’t allow us– as far as I understand it – to vote a project down when a wetlands or watercourse are not being affected by the development.”

“I’m just not convinced,” said commissioner Carol Hauss following the comments on Breckinridge and similar thoughts from Michael Beauchamp. “There just been too much from the public. I don’t want to be ignoring what I think is some pretty clear evidence that this property has flooding issues. There’s wildlife there. I’m not convinced. I happen to love turtles so I’m not convinced that the box turtles aren’t going to be affected. … I didn’t hear from someone who is a conservationist. I’m not convinced that the flooding isn’t going to continue and I think that we heard evidence from the public, and saw photographs. Aimee from Farmington River Watershed, who is an expert, … has concerns about the impact of this project on the Farmington River. I simply cannot discount all of that so I’m leaning toward no.”

Michael Sacks also expressed reservations and spoke to future rainfall predictions, runoff and the complexity of systems that can fail due to human input. While some aspects of the application were subject to review by the North Central Conservation District and town engineering staff, Sacks also said he would have liked to the stormwater systems and other data confirmed by an independent expert.

And while Breckinridge asserted that some of the concerns spoke to speculation, which he said could not be the basis of a vote, and there was no evidence of a direct effect on a wetland, Hauss and Sacks voted against the project. Joining Beauchamp and Breckinridge with a yes vote was Kevin Tobin, who also noted being very conflicted about the application but also felt that there was no information that warranted a denial based on the regulations.

Michael Feldman and Gary Gianini are also on the commission but recused themselves from this proceeding.

Development on Nod Road has been the subject of fierce debate in the past few years and the Inland Wetlands Commission twice denied proposals by Keystone and other partners to amend the town’s wetlands map for a planned development on a portion of the Blue Fox Run Golf Course in 2019 and 2020. The Planning and Zoning Commission also denied a proposed zone change in 2019.

Central in those applications was resistance from Nod Road Preservation, Inc. which ran a well-publicized Save Nod Road Campaign and those meetings on the proposed development were, at times, quite contentious.

As far as the latest application Giorgio confirmed that his team would be preparing an application for the town’s Planning and Zoning Commission. He declined to talk more about the specifics of the project at this time beyond what is in the wetlands application.

“It is premature to discuss the project in any further detail at this time,” he said. “Our team will gather and begin preparing our Zoning application.”

Nod road Preservation Inc. president Chris Carville said the group would be ready for that application.

“First we would like to thank the commission for their time and energy,” he said of the Wetlands agency and its proceedings. “We do find the final decision regrettable but understand that the commission was required to follow the guidelines given to them. We along with our many supporters are prepared for what comes next at the planning and zoning level.”

This graphic, prepared by the development team for the March 7 meeting, shows not only the proposed housing layout but also the green space that would remain on the property.

Valley Happenings

New Story Blooms on Blazer’s Trail

AVON – A new tale is waiting for young readers and nature lovers on Blazer’s Trail. The latest book featured along the trail is “Miss Maple’s Seeds” by Eliza Wheeler—a whimsical and heartwarming story about Miss Maple, who gathers lost seeds and cares for them in her cozy treehouse before sending them off to grow and thrive in the world.

This engaging story walk can be enjoyed along the scenic half-mile loop trail just behind Roaring Brook Elementary School (open to the public outside of school hours). Visitors are kindly reminded to respect the trail and leave no trace. Special thanks go out to the Roaring Brook School PTO for supporting this project.

 

New Exhibit Brings 1775 Avon to Life at the Avon Free Public Library

AVON — The Avon ‘s America 250 Coordinating Committee and the Avon Historical Society invites you to visit “We Are the Sons of Freedom,” a new historical exhibit on display now through the end of May in the Avon Free Public Library’s History Corner.

This exhibit marks the beginning of Avon 250, a multi-year commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the creation of our country. “We Are the Sons of Freedom” explores the lives of Northington (Avon’s colonial name) residents in 1775, highlighting their response to the first shots of the American Revolution in Lexington and Concord. A summary of the exhibit is also available at Digital Farmington/Digital Avon: https://digitalfarmington.org/digital-farmington-project/digital-avon/from-northington-to-revolution-avons-road-to-1776/ .

The exhibit is free and open to the public during library hours. The Avon Free Public Library is located at 281 Country Club Road.

 

Pine Grove Schoolhouse open house

AVON – The Avon Historical Society welcomes the public to an now annual family friendly OPEN HOUSE of the 1865 Pine Grove Schoolhouse, 3 Harris Road (at the corner of West Avon Road/Route 167) on Sunday, May 4 from 1 – 4 p.m.  After that it will be open to the public every Sunday through September. Anyone interested in volunteering to be a greeter for one Sunday this summer is encouraged to the Society at info@avonhistoricalsociety.org or leave a message at 860-678-7621.

 

May at Hill-Stead Museum

FARMINGTON – Saturday, May 3 and Sunday, May 4, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Join Hill-Stead for the annual May Market, featuring premium vendors, flowers and unique plants perfect for Mother’s Day both indoors and outdoors. Shop and enjoy the beautiful grounds during this springtime celebration. $10/day

On View May 15 - June 29, 2025: Castles in the Sky, 2nd Annual Juried Members Exhibition at Hill-Stead Museum featuring artwork from local artists celebrating Theodate Pope Riddle’s passion for dreams, fantasies, and musings.

Visit hillstead.org for more details.

National Day of Prayer Observed

SIMSBURY – Thursday, May 1, 2025 will mark the 74nd annual observance of the National Day of Prayer. Local Simsbury Events on May 1, 2025 are:

Noon – On the front steps of Eno Memorial Hall, 754 Hopmeadow St. (Gathering will be inside Eno in the Youth Room, in the event of rain)

7:30 p.m. – New Life in Christ Fellowship, 250 Firetown Road

For further information, visit: http://nlicf.com/ https://www.nationaldayofprayer.org/events/new-gathering or contact: Pastor Dana Jorgensen, 860-658-7320 or Joan Rogers, 860-970-4457

 

Historic Trades of the Revolution

On Saturday, May 3, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Simsbury Historical Society will be transformed into a vibrant center of colonial era activities during Historic Trades of the Revolution Day. Skilled trades and crafts people dressed in period attire will interact with visitors and use antique and reproduction tools to demonstrate how colonists produced goods and materials immediately before, during, and after the American Revolutionary War.

The circa 1771 Phelps Tavern and homestead will depict life in the late 1700s; tours are included with admission.

The Simsbury Historical Society is located at 800 Hopmeadow St. Parking is available in the main lot at 10 Phelps Lane. Additional free parking is available in nearby municipal lots. Due to its age and historic nature, the Phelps Tavern is not accessible by wheelchair, walker, or stroller. General Admission is $10 per adult or $20 per household. Simsbury Historical Society Member Admission is $5 per adult or $10 per household. Email info@simsburyhistory.org or call 860-658-2500 with any questions.

 

Farmington Valley Chorale concerts

Farmington Valley Chorale presents its Spring concerts for 4- hand piano and choir featuring husband and wife piano duo, Anna and Dmitri Shelest and student choirs from Plainville High School and Canton High School. The two performances are as follows.  Friday, May 2, 8 p.m. at Bethany Covenant Church, 785 Mill Street, Berlin, with student choir from Plainville High School. Saturday, May 3, 8 p.m. at First Church of Christ, 689 Hopmeadow St., Simsbury with student choir from Canton High School.

For ticket information, visit the chorale website at: info@farmingtonvalleychorale.org.

 

A Film screening with Robert Abbott

A film screening with Robert Abbott takes place Saturday, May 3 at 7 p.m., St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 224 Lovely Street (Rte. 177), Avon.

Six-time Emmy award winner and St. Matthew member, Robert Abbott, will be screening his 2018 film “Port of Destiny: Peace,” chronicling former Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos’ path to peace in a polarizing political environment. The documentary will be introduced by Robert and followed up by a Q&A.

A suggested donation of $10, will be donated to a peace-seeking organization that is yet to be determined.

 

‘Let’s Kolam- Your Dots Our Delights’

AVON – Agaram Tamil Padasalai, a Tamil heritage language school serving the Farmington Valley area, is hosting a cultural art competition, “Let’s Kolam- Your Dots Our Delights” on May 4, 1:30 to 4 p.m. at Avon Senior Center. This is open to the public with free admission to view the event and a great opportunity to experience the traditional art form that combines art, math, colors and fun. Public can either enter the competition or simply come visit us and experience the event. Senior Center’s public play areas are available for the kids to play after checking out the kolam.” For inquiries: Events24-25@agarampadasalai.com

 

Simsbury Light Opera presents ‘Ruddigore – or the Witch’s Curse’

SIMSBURY – Simsbury Light Opera Company will present Gilbert & Sullivan’s opera, “Ruddigore – or the Witch’s Curse” at Henry James Memorial School in Simsbury.

Dates: April 26 at 7:30 p.m and April 27 at 2 p.m.; May 3 at 7:30 p.m. and  May 4 at 2 p.m.

Tickets in advance: Adult $30 and Seniors/Students $25. Visit sloco.ludus.com to purchase tickets. Visit sloco.org for more information about Simsbury Light Opera

 

Bike Rodeo

CANTON – Join BikeWalkCantonCT, the Canton Police Department & the Canton Parks & Recreation Department for a Bike Rodeo on Saturday, May 3 from 1-3 p.m.

The vent will take place in the field at Canton Intermediate School Parking will be at the Canton Community Center, 40 Dyer Ave. Rain date will be Sunday, May 4. Learn bike safety rules, participate in helmet & bike fittings, try out bike courses & so much more. Leo, Canton’s Canine Law Enforcement Officer will also be making an appearance. Helmets are mandatory, and don’t forget to bring your bike as well. Parents will need to remain on site with their children during the event.

Registration for event participants is required, and must be completed by 3 p.m. on Friday, May 2. This event is for Canton kids in grades Pre-K to 6.

Register at https://cantonct.myrec.com/ Find the register tab and click on programs.

 

Pancake Breakfast

SIMSBURY – The Simsbury Lions & Knights of Columbus are having our 33rd annual combined pancake breakfast on Sunday, May 4, from 8 to 11 a.m., at St. Mary’s Parish Center, 946 Hopmeadow St. We are selling several different size placemat advertisements as well as breakfast tickets (Adults-$10, Children under 12-$5, Family of 4-$25), with all proceeds benefitting scholarships. For more information, contact Elaine Giannini at 386-566-1003.

 

Senior Conference, Resource Fair

New Season In Life will host free Senior Conference and Resource Fairs on the following dates:

• May 3 – Valley Community Baptist Church, Avon

• June 12 – Farmington Senior Center

All events will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and free lunch at noon. Call 860-965-8114 to register.

11th Annual Memory Walk

WINDSOR – On Sunday, May 4, Mary’s Place, A Center for Grieving Children and Families will host its 12th Annual Memory Walk at Northwest Park; 145 Lang Rd, Windsor at 9:30 a.m. Walk with us in memory of your loved one! This moving fundraiser connects families, friends, and the community to support programs at Mary’s Place. Honor the memory of a loved one and help make a difference in the lives of grieving children & families by joining us for this special event. Come and enjoy kids’ crafts, snacks, auctions & more! Register at www.marysplacect.org/memory-walk

 

Plant & Tag sale

CANTON – Cherry Brook Garden Club is holding a Plant & Tag Sale on Saturday, May 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Masonic Lodge, 123 River Road, Canton. The sale will include a variety of shade and sun-loving perennials, houseplants, and flower gifts. Gently used garden-related items will also be for sale during the event. Proceeds from the sale support the club’s civic beautification projects and scholarship fund. Visit www.cherrybrookgardenclub.org for more information about the club.

 

Irises in New England

CANTON – Cherry Brook Garden Club (Canton, CT) is hosting a presentation, Growing Irises in New England, with Ruth Bennett on May 13 at the Canton Community Center, 40 Dyer Avenue, Canton.  Her program will emphasize irises hybridized in New England, discuss iris culture, and show how interspecies crosses have given even a wider range of garden plants to choose from. Ruth is a Master Judge for the American Iris Society and a well-known speaker for the CT Flower Show and Federated Garden Clubs of CT. The presentation begins at 11 a.m., and a $5 guest fee is required for non-members of the club. For more information, email cherrybrookgardenclub@gmail.com.

 

Tunxis Seniors Association meeting

FARMINGTON – The Tunxis Seniors Citizens Association will hold their monthly meeting on May 12, at the Community Center, 321 New Britain Avenue, Unionville. We will begin at 1:30 with our traditional introduction then we will be entertained by Tre’ Johnson who has been singing professionally for over 40 years. For more information, call 860-675-2490.

 

Alzheimer’s Support Group

FARMINGTON – Hearts, Hugs & Hope: An Alzheimer’s Support Group Offered by Farmington Station takes place May 15, 6 p.m. at Farmington Station Assisted Living and Memory Care Community, 111 Scott Swamp Road. Dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia isn’t easy, so it is helpful to share your concerns and personal experiences with others who completely understand what you’re going through. This month’s group will be held in person and we will be offering a Dementia Friendly Experience presentation. Groups are held on the third Thursday of each month. If you plan to attend, contact Director of Compass Programming Katherine Jedynasty at kjedynasty@farmingtonslr.com.

Perennial Plant Sale

AVON – A Perennial Plant Sale will be held on Saturday, May 17, from 8 a.m. to noon in the Church of St. Ann parking lot, located on the corner of West Avon and Arch roads. A variety of plants from members’ gardens will be offered.   Knowledgeable gardeners will be available to answer questions concerning plant selection.

 

Farmington Rotary 5K Trail Race

FARMINGTON – Farmington Rotary’s Annual 5K Trail Race will be held on Sunday, May 18 beginning at 10 am. This year’s race will be held at Winding Trails in Farmington, which has donated the use of their trail. The race course will be on a designated 5k trail inside their 300 acres around Walton Pond.

The Lee Chisholm Award will be presented to the first Farmington resident finishers, male and female. Prize categories include $250 awards for both the male and female First Place winners and $25 awards for top male and female winners in each of the three age categories which include Ages 18 and under, Ages 19-49, and Ages 50 and above. To register, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/CT/Farmington/FarmingtonRiverRun5KTrailRace.

Registration is available online and will also take place on the day of the race beginning at 9 a.m. This year’s cost will be $35 plus a $3.60 charge fee. A Waiver and Release must be signed for all runners at sign-in.

For those under 18 years of age, the waiver must be signed by an adult. At the event, Rotary will also collect food donations of boxed or canned items for the Farmington Food Pantry, where they will be available to those in need.

 

Aquarion Water Company Reminds Connecticut Residents to Order Upcycled Rain Barrels

Aquarion Water Company is reminding residents that it is offering upcycled rain barrels for sale as part of its ongoing water conservation efforts.

Connecticut customers can purchase a high-quality, 60-gallon upcycled rain barrel designed to fit under a downspout and catch rainwater running off the roof.  Order barrels online at www.aquarionwater.com/rainbarrels. The cost is $85 and orders must be received by April 21, 2025.

Locally, barrels will be available for pickup Saturday, May 10 at Simsbury Public Works, 66 Town Forest Road, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

 

Farmington Valley Quilt Guild

SIMSBURY — Farmington Valley Quilters will hold their monthly meeting on Wednesday evening, May 21.  The guest speaker, Jill Staubitz, is a weaver, graphic designer and quilter. Jill will present a trunk show of her work. She will be sharing her insights about color, pattern, and the design process as she discusses how the elements of the art of weaving apply to quilting. The meeting is held at Eno Memorial Hall, 754 Hopmeadow St, Simsbury. Registration opens at 6:30 pm, meeting begins at 7 pm.  Guest fee is $10.00. For more information about the Guild visit our website: https://www.fvquilter.org/

Meditation for Peace and Well Being

Avon Free Public Library presents (Virtual Event) Meditation for Peace and Well Being.

Thursday, May 22, 7 pm. John Bednarik, long time meditator for this deep and engaging meditation, will talk about the journey of finding lasting peace, happiness and a greater sense of well-being. For more information, contact Adult Services Reference Desk avonref@avonctlibrary.info 860-673-9712 x 7203

 

Music at Greenwood: Elliott Davis

AVON – Virtuoso violinist Elliott Davis will perform five of Eugene Ysayë’s Sonatas for Solo Violin in the second concert of Music at Greenwood’s 2025 season. Join us on Saturday, May 17, at 4 p.m. at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 224 Lovely St. Suggested donation: $10. After the concert, stay to enjoy a reception of light appetizers. For more information about upcoming events, visit us online at https://www.stmatthewavon.org/music-at-greenwood.

 

Show to benefit Avon VFW project

Avon VFW Post 3272 will host a benefit show with the New Orleans style jazz music of Tenpenny Bounce! The show takes place Sunday May 18 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Avon Sycamore Hill Senior Center. The show will help the post continue to provide essential support for our community’s Afghan refugee family, the Tarins.

Come and meet the family, learn how their first year in America has gone, and enjoy. Free will offering

($10 suggested)

 

Gallery on the Green Presents ‘Member/Guest Exhibition’

CANTON – The public is invited to the Gallery on the Green’s annual “Member/Guest Exhibition” showcasing artists who are members of the Canton Artists Guild and their invited guests.

In a show entitled, “Everyday People,” Kathy Schwartz celebrates the human form and the expression of the human spirit through the lines and shapes of the physical body.

In “Cracked and Crazed” Donna Namnoum, the second solo artist, is exhibiting over thirty ceramic works that incorporate the covered jar and other wheel thrown forms. A free opening reception will be held on Saturday May 31 from 6 to 8 p.m. The gallery is located at 5 Canton Green Road near the intersections of Dowd Ave. and RT. 44. The gallery is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. The main floor gallery is handicap accessible. (860) 693-4102; https://www.galleryonthegreen.org

 

Art open house

Local artist,Lori Racicot is hosting an Art Studio Open House on May 3 & 4, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 43 Farmstead Lane in West Simsbury. Stop by to see Lori’s new paintings, watch her paint and ask questions. For more information, visit LoriRacicot.com.

 

Email event listings to

jfitts@turleyct.com. The deadline

for our June issue is May 6.

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