741 Colonel Ledyard Highway

Ledyard, Connecticut 06339

TOWN OF LEDYARD

Land Use/Planning/Public Works

Committee

Meeting Minutes

Chairman Gary St. Vil

Monday, October 6, 2025

6:00 PM

Town Hall Annex - Hybrid Format

In -Person Location goes here

Join Zoom Meeting from your Computer, Smart Phone or Tablet:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88579193964?pwd=x3FWmETfxUSPfAarwtDghGJc7oQPTV.1

Or by Audio Only: Telephone: +1 646 558 8656; Meeting ID: 885 7919 3964; Passcode:

816759

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order by Councilor Garcia-Irizarry at 6:00

p.m. at the Town Hall Annex Building.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry welcomed all to the Hybird Meeting noting for the Town

Council Land Use/Planning/Public Works Committee and members of the Public

who were participating via video conference that the remote meeting information was

available on the Agenda that was posted on the Town’s Website - Granicus-Legistar

Meeting Portal.

II.

ROLL CALL

Kevin Dombrowski

Carmen Garcia-Irizarry

Adrienne Parad

Present:

Excused:

In addition, the following were present:

Elizabeth BurdicLkand Use Director/Town Planner

Michael MarelliConservation Commission Chairman

Karen ParkinsonHistoric District Commission

Doug KelleyHistoric District Commission

Bruce GarstkAagricultural Commission

Dennis MainAvalonia Land Conservancy President

Roxanne MaAhderministrative Assistant

III.

RESIDENTS & PROPERTY OWNERS COMMENTS

None.

IV.

PRESENTATIONS / INFORMATIONAL ITEMS

None.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

MOTION to approve the Land Use/Planning/Public Works Committee Minutes of August 4,

2025

Moved by Councilor Dombrowski, seconded by Councilor Garcia-Irizarry

VOTE: 2 - 0 Approved and so declared

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Kevin Dombrowski

RESULT:

MOVER:

Carmen Garcia-Irizarry

SECONDER:

VI.

OLD BUSINESS

Continued discussion regarding the progress of enforcing regulations to address blight issues.

Land Use Director/Town Planner Elizabeth Burdick stated that Zoning Enforcement

Officer Hannah Gienau provided an updated Blight Report for tonight’s meeting and

she asked whether the LUPPW Committee had any questions

Councilor Dombrowski noted there were two new Blighted Properties on the List as

follows:

· 153 Meeting House Lane - The Bank Foreclosed on the Property and cleaned-up

the property.

· Cartway Property - Route 12 - Land Use Director/Town Planner Elizabeth

Burdick noted the following actions were in the process of being done:

ü Donation Boxes would be removed.

ü Buildings would be demolished - Ms. Burdick explained because of the

proximity to wetlands properties that they would need to test the buildings

for asbestos before demolition.

ü Batting Cages would be removed.

ü Pipes run through the parking lot to the culvert - Ms. Burdick stated that this

has made the property challenging.

Ms. Burdick stated because the property owners have been cooperative that they have

not cited them. She stated once the buildings were removed from the property the

owners would be listing the property for sale.

CONTINUE

RESULT:

Spicer Homestead Ruins - Historical Research and Photos.

Mrs. Karen Parkinson, 55 Rose Hill Road, Ledyard, Historic District Commission

Member thanked the LUPPW Committee for their patience, noting with the passing of

her husband Kieth Parkinson this past year that some things have been placed on the

back burner. Mrs. Parkinson continued to provide an overview of the status of their work

regarding the preparation to seek a Historic Designation of an area of the Spicer

Homestead

Ruins as follows:

Working to prepare the Package to submit to the State Historic Preservation Office.

Mrs. Parkinson noted with the upcoming November 4, 2025 General Election that

she would like to request the LUPPW Committee keep this request to seek a Historic

Designation for the Spicer Homestead Ruins on their Agenda. She explained that the

Historic Commission would most likely not have their Package ready until

December, 2025 or January, 2026

Councilor Dombrowski explained the reason Chairman St. Vil sent the LUPPW

Committee’s August 21, 2025 letter to the Historic District Commission was

because the LUPPW Committee wanted to make the Historic District Commission

was lined up for success. He reminded the Historic District Commission that once

they submit their Package to the State that the 65-day clock would start; noting that

they would have to do a number of things including scheduling a Public Hearing.

Therefore, he stated that he would agree with keeping the Spicer Homestead Ruins

on their Agenda; instead of taking it off and then having to put it back on the

Agenda.

Land Use Director/Town Planner Elizabeth Burdick questioned whether a 8-24

Review by the Planning & Zoning Commission was required. Councilor

Dombrowski stated that an 8-24 Review would be required for any changes to town

property to ensure that it was in compliance with the Plan of Conservation &

Development (POCD).

Working with Avalonia Land Conservancy and the Tri-Town Trail Association in a

cooperative spirit on their vision for Ledyard.

Discrepancy in the A2 Survey Map and the area the Historic Commission would like

to preserve.

Councilor Dombrowski stated the A2 Survey Map was 4.2 acres. Land Use

Director/Town Planner Elizabeth Burdick questioned the area of the Spicer

Homestead Ruins site that the Historic District Commission would like to preserve.

She explained that the A2 Survey Map would need to match with the Package they

would be sending to the State. She suggested they schedule a meeting with the

Mayor to discuss the A2 Survey Map.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry stated that she also agreed with keeping the Spicer

Homestead Historic Designation on the LUPPW Committee’s Agenda and she asked

that the Historic District Commission to come back in January, 2026. She noted as

Councilor Dombrowski mentioned that the reason the LUPPW Committee sent their

August 21, 2025 letter to the Historic District Commission to was to request an update

because the LUPPW Committee wanted the Historic District Commission to be

successful on this initiative.

CONTINUE

RESULT:

Any Old Business proper to come before the Committee.

None.

VII. NEW BUSINESS

Discussion and possible action regarding the Agricultural Commission’s memo dated August

27, 2025 regarding their interest to develop a list criterial for the leasing of town-owned

property such as the Clark Farm and former Norwich State Property.

Mr. Bruce Garsta, 10 Pleasant View, Ledyard, Agricultural Commission Chairman,

noted his August 27, 2025 Memo regarding the Commission’s interest to create a List

of Criteria for the Leasing of Town-Own Land such as Clark Farm and former

Norwich State Hospital Property to encourage the properties continue to be used for

Agricultural purposes and to prevent them from going fallow.

Mr. Gartska continued by noting that currently Mr. Majcher has been leasing a portion

of the Clark Farm for agricultural use f or many years. He stated the five-year lease

would expire on March 15, 2026; and he noted that Mr. Majcher was not interested in

continuing to lease the property.

The LUPPW Committee agreed that it was a good idea for the Agricultural Commission

to take on this initiative.

MOTION to authorize the Agricultural Commission to develop a List of Criteria for the

Leasing of Town-Own Land such as Clark Farm and former Norwich State Hospital

Property to encourage the properties continue to be used for Agricultural purposes; to

prevent the Properties from going fallow; and to provide of list of potential future

tenants.

Moved by Councilor Dombrowski, seconded by Councilor Garcia-Irizarry

Discussion: The LUPPW Committee asked when the Agricultural Commission has

completed their work that Mr. Garstka come back and present the List of Criteria for

the Leasing of Town-Owned Land to the LUPPW Committee to review and make a

recommendation to the Town Council for approval.

Land Use Director/Town Planner Elizabeth Burdick questioned whether there were

any other town-owned properties the Agricultural Commission was looking to lease

for Agricultural purposes. Mr. Garstka replied “No”.

VOTE: 2- 0 Approved and so declared

MOTION to recommend the Town of Ledyard transfer town-owned property located at 19

Avery Hill Road Extension, Ledyard Connecticut (Parcel ID: 50/130/19), known as the

“Kettle Hole” property to Avalonia Land Conservancy for no consideration to be combined

with other lands of the DDJJM, LLC., at 173 Stoddards Wharf Road and 175 Stoddards

Wharf Road to be transferred to Avalonia Land Conservancy, to remain open to the public

for passive recreation and to be protected in perpetuity under the Conservancy care with the

following conditions:

1) Avalonia Land Conservancy will pay for all conveyances and fees regarding the transfer

of the property.

2) In the event Avalonia Land Conservancy determines they no longer wish to own or no

longer can own the so-called “Kettle Hole” property, Avalonia Land Conservancy will first

offer the property back to the Town of Ledyard as the last owner of record. Such conveyance

will be at no cost to the Town, other than customary recording and legal fees. The Town

shall have 120 days to accept or reject re-acquisition. The Town shall notify Avalonia Land

Conservancy in writing of its intent to accept or reject. Should the Town choose not to accept

the property back, Avalonia Land Conservancy will then have the right to convey the parcel

to a third party of their choice.

Moved by Councilor Dombrowski, seconded by Councilor Garcia-Irizarry

Discussion: Land Use Director/Town Planner Elizabeth Burdick, noted that Avalonia

Land Conservancy President Dennis Main was also present this evening via Zoom to

answer questions.

Ms. Burdick proceeded by providing some background stating that the property located

at 19 Avery Hill Road Extension was 4.978. acres; known as the “Kettle Hole”, was

donated to the Town of Ledyard by Mr. Main’s parents. She stated that Avalonia Land

Conservancy has requested that Ledyard transfer 19 Avery Hill Road Extension to their

Organization to be added to other Open Space parcels they currently own and maintain

Ms. Burdick went on to note at their September 11, 2025 meeting the Planning& Zoning

Commission conducted an 824 Review and provided a Favorable Recommendation with

some conditions as noted in the Motion. She explained that a Planning & Zoning

Commission Referral was required prior to the transfer of any town-owned property,

noting that in accordance with changes to Connecticut General Statutes that this has

already been done.

Ms. Burdick reviewed the property maps that were attached to the Agenda on the

meeting portal as follows:

RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL

Kevin Dombrowski

RESULT:

MOVER:

Carmen Garcia-Irizarry

SECONDER:

Dombrowski and Garcia-Irizarry

Parad

AYE:

EXCUSED:

MOTION to recommend the Town of Ledyard transfer town-owned property located at 13

Applewood Drive (parcel ID: 99-530-13) to Avalonia Land Conservancy for no

consideration, to be combined with the Avalonia Land Conservancy “Pike Marshall Preserve

to remain open to the public for passive recreation and to be protected in perpetuity under the

Conservancy care with the following conditions:

1). The 10-foot wide access to the property shall be clearly marked in the field by a Land

Surveyor engaged by Avalonia Land Conservancy.

2) Appropriate signage identifying the open space parcel shall be installed by Avalonia

Land Conservancy.

3) Avalonia Land Conservancy will pay for all conveyances and fees regarding the transfer

of the property.

4) In the event Avalonia Land Conservancy determines they no longer wish to own or no

longer can own 13 Applewood Drive property (parcel ID:99-530-13), Avalonia Land

Conservancy will first offer the property back to the Town of Ledyard as the last owner of

record. Such conveyance will be at no cost to the Town, other than customary recording and

legal fees. The Town shall have 120 days to accept or reject re-acquisition. The Town shall

notify Avalonia Land Conservancy in writing of its intent to accept or reject. Should the

Town choose not to accept the property back, Avalonia Land Conservancy will then have the

right to convey the parcel to a third party of their choice.

Moved by Councilor Garcia-Irizarry, seconded by Councilor Dombrowski

Discussion: Land Use Director/Town Planner Elizabeth Burdick provided some

background stating that Avalonia Land Conservancy has submitted a proposal to the

Town requesting the transfer 13 Applewood Drive to their Organization to be

combined with their 272-acre “Pike Marshall Preserve” which included 104 Gallup

Hill Road, 104R Gallup Hill Road, 199 Lambtown Road, 49 Pumpkin Hill Road, and

480 Pumpkin Hill Road. She stated 13 Applewood Drive was a 1.7 acre open space

lot that was part of the Applewood Subdivision Association.

Ms. Burdick stated at their September 11, 2025 meeting the Planning& Zoning

Commission conducted an 824 Review and provided a Favorable Recommendation

with four Conditions, explaining that prior to the transfer of any town-owned

property it had to go to the Planning and Zoning Commission for an 8-24 Referral.

RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL

Carmen Garcia-Irizarry

RESULT:

MOVER:

Kevin Dombrowski

SECONDER:

Dombrowski and Garcia-Irizarry

Parad

AYE:

EXCUSED:

MOTION to schedule a Hybird (in-Person and Video Conference) Public Hearing date for

November 12, 2025 at 6:15 p.m., in accordance with CGS 07-163e, to receive comment and

recommendation on the following:

(1) The transfer town-owned property located at 19 Avery Hill Road Extension, Ledyard

Connecticut (Parcel ID:50/130/19), known as the “Kettle Hole” property to Avalonia Land

Conservancy for no consideration, to be combined with other lands of the DDJJM, LLC., at

173 Stoddards Wharf Road and 175 Stoddards Wharf Road to be transferred to Avalonia

Land Conservancy, to remain open to the public for passive recreation and to be protected in

perpetuity under the Conservancy care with the following conditions:

1). Avalonia Land Conservancy will pay for all conveyances and fees regarding the

transfer of the property.

2). In the event Avalonia Land Conservancy determines they no longer wish to own

or no longer can own the so-called “Kettle Hole” property, Avalonia Land Conservancy will

first offer the property back to the Town of Ledyard as the last owner of record. Such

conveyance will be at no cost to the Town, other than customary recording and legal fees.

The Town shall have 120 days to accept or reject re-acquisition. The Town shall notify

Avalonia Land Conservancy in writing of its intent to accept or reject. Should the Town

choose not to accept the property back, Avalonia Land Conservancy will then have the right

to convey the parcel to a third party of their choice.

(2) The transfer town-owned property located at 13 Applewood Drive(parcel ID:99-530-13)

to Avalonia Land Conservancy for no consideration, to be combined with the Avalonia

Land Conservancy “Pike Marshall Preserve to remain open to the public for passive

recreation and to be protected in perpetuity under the Conservancy care with the following

conditions:

1). The 10-foot wide access to the property shall be clearly marked in the filed by a Land

Surveyor engaged by Avalonia Land Conservancy.

2). Appropriate signage identifying the open space parcel shall be installed by Avalonia

Land Conservancy.

3). Avalonia Land Conservancy will pay for all conveyances and fees regarding the transfer

of the property.

4). In the event Avalonia Land Conservancy determines they no longer wish to own or no

longer can own 13 Applewood Drive property (parcel ID:99-530-13), Avalonia Land

Conservancy will first offer the property back to the Town of Ledyard as the last owner of

record. Such conveyance will be at no cost to the Town, other than customary recording and

legal fees. The Town shall have 120 days to accept or reject acquisition. The Town shall

notify Avalonia Land Conservancy in writing of its intent to accept or reject. Should the

Town choose not to accept the property back, Avalonia Land Conservancy will then have the

right to convey the parcel to a third party of their choice.

Moved by Councilor Dombrowski, seconded by Councilor Garcia-Irizarry

Discussion: Councilor Dombrowski stated in accordance with CGS 07-163e; a Public

Hearing was required to receive comments and recommendations regarding the

transfer, sale, or lease of town owned property. He stated that this motion was only to

set the Public Hearing date.

VOTE: 2- 0 Approved and so declared

RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL

Kevin Dombrowski

RESULT:

MOVER:

Carmen Garcia-Irizarry

SECONDER:

Dombrowski and Garcia-Irizarry

Parad

AYE:

EXCUSED:

MOTION to schedule a Hybird Format ( In-Person & Video Conference) Special Town

Meeting date for November 12, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. to be held in the Council Chambers, 741

Colonel Ledyard Highway, to consider, discuss and vote upon the following:

(1) “Shall the Town of Ledyard transfer town-owned property located at 19 Avery Hill Road

Extension, Ledyard Connecticut (Parcel ID:50/130/19), known as the “Kettle Hole” property

to Avalonia Land Conservancy for no consideration, to be combined with other lands of the

DDJJM, LLC., at 173 Stoddards Wharf Road and 175 Stoddards Wharf Road to be

transferred to Avalonia Land Conservancy, to remain open to the public for passive

recreation and to be protected in perpetuity under the Conservancy care with the following

conditions:

1). Avalonia Land Conservancy will pay for all conveyances and fees regarding the

transfer of the property.

2). In the event Avalonia Land Conservancy determines they no longer wish to own

or no longer can own the so-called “Kettle Hole” property, Avalonia Land Conservancy will

first offer the property back to the Town of Ledyard as the last owner of record. Such

conveyance will be at no cost to the Town, other than customary recording and legal fees.

The Town shall have 120 days to accept or reject re-acquisition. The Town shall notify

Avalonia Land Conservancy in writing of its intent to accept or reject. Should the Town

choose not to accept the property back, Avalonia Land Conservancy will then have the right

to convey the parcel to a third party of their choice?”.

(2) “Shall the Town of Ledyard transfer town-owned property located at 13 Applewood

Drive(parcel ID:99-530-13) to Avalonia Land Conservancy for no consideration, to be

combined with the Avalonia Land Conservancy “Pike Marshall Preserve to remain open to

the public for passive recreation and to be protected in perpetuity under the Conservancy

care with the following conditions:

1). The 10-foot wide access to the property shall be clearly marked in the field by a Land

Surveyor engaged by Avalonia Land Conservancy.

2). Appropriate signage identifying the open space parcel shall be installed by Avalonia

Land Conservancy.

3). Avalonia Land Conservancy will pay for all conveyances and fees regarding the transfer

of the property.

4). In the event Avalonia Land Conservancy determines they no longer wish to own or no

longer can own 13 Applewood Drive property (parcel ID:99-530-13), Avalonia Land

Conservancy will first offer the property back to the Town of Ledyard as the last owner of

record. Such conveyance will be at no cost to the Town, other than customary recording and

legal fees. The Town shall have 120 days to accept or reject re-acquisition. The Town shall

notify Avalonia Land Conservancy in writing of its intent to accept or reject. Should the

Town choose not to accept the property back, Avalonia Land Conservancy will then have the

right to convey the parcel to a third party of their choice?”..

Moved by Councilor Garcia-Irizarry, seconded by Councilor Dombrowski

Discussion: Councilor Dombrowski stated in accordance with Chapter VII; Section 9

of the Town Charter: “ Any resolution making a non-budgeted appropriation of more

than one (1) percent of the current tax levy, but less than five (5) percent for any

purpose, any resolution authorizing the issuance of bonds or notes or other

borrowing of less than five (5) percent of the current tax levy, except notes in

anticipation of taxes to be paid within the fiscal year in which issued, and any sale

or purchase of real estate or interest therein shall become effective only after it has

been approved by the Town Council and adopted at a Town meeting by a majority

vote of the qualified voters present and voting at such meeting.” Councilor

Dombrowski that this motion was to schedule the Special Town Meeting.

VOTE: 2- 0 Approved and so declared

RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL

Carmen Garcia-Irizarry

RESULT:

MOVER:

Kevin Dombrowski

SECONDER:

Dombrowski and Garcia-Irizarry

Parad

AYE:

EXCUSED:

MOTION to extend Archery Hunting on Certain Town Owned Lands and Certain Open

Space Properties for one-year in accordance with provisions in Ordinance#100-018 (rev. 1)

"An Ordinance Providing Archery Hunting on Certain Town Owned Lands and Certain

Open Space Properties"

In addition, amend Ordinance #100-018 “Appendix A - Town of Ledyard Hunting Rules and

Regulations” to paragraph (5) as follows:

5) Hunting shall be limited to the following Town of Ledyard owned properties and open

space properties not owned by the Town of Ledyard, as recorded on the Deed of the Land

Records or with written consent of the property owner.

a) Clark Farm (1025 Colonel Ledyard Highway) (Town Owned

Property)

b) Founders Preserve Parcel (REMOVE 332 - CHANGE TO 334 Colonel Ledyard Highway

(Avalonia Land Conservancy)

Moved by Councilor Dombrowski, seconded by Councilor Garcia-Irizarry

Discussion: Councilor Dombroski provided some background explaining in 2018 the

Town Council adopted Ordinance #100-018 “An Ordinance Providing for Archery

Hunting on Certain Town Owned Lands”. He stated the two town-owned properties

that would be used for archery hunting were: (1) Clark Farm located on Route 117 on

the north end of town; and (2) Founders Preserve (fka -Paint Mill) Property located

between Colonel Ledyard Highway and Pumpkin Hill Road on the south end of town

(both properties were about 100 acres). He stated this Program was a Lottery System

in which six people would win a lottery for each property to archery hunt; and that

they would be required to be qualified for archery hunting by the State to qualify for

Ledyard’s Program.

Councilor Dombrowski went on to explain that at a Special Town Meeting that was

held on October 28, 2020 the townspeople approved to transfer the Founders Preserve

(also formerly known as: Quakertown Preserve/Paint Mill) to Avalonia Land

Conservancy. One of the terms for the land transfer was that Avalonia Land

Conservancy would continue to allow archery hunting on the Founders Preserve

property. He stated because the Founders Preserve would no longer be town-owned

property that on April 25, 2021 Ordinance #100-108 (rev. 1) and its accompanying

Appendix was amended to include provisions for “non-town owned properties/certain

open space properties”.

Councilor Dombrowski stated in accordance with Section 4. “Annual Expiration” the

Ordinance would expire annually at the end of the calendar year, unless a vote of the

Town Council was taken to approve to extend it for one year. He went on to explain

that this motion also included Amending Appendix A: because there were some

property boundary adjustments regarding the properties located 332 & 334 Colonel

Ledyard Highway that merged the two parcels. He stated the new address for the

merged property was 334 Colonel Ledyard Highway. Therefore, Appendix A was being

updated to reflect the correct number/address which was now 334 Colonel Ledyard

Highway. He also noted that annually extending the archery hunting for one-year was

an Administrative Action.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry noted that the Tri-Town Trail passes through the Clark Farm

property, therefore, she questioned whether there was signage to alert hikers to wear

bright colored clothing during hunting season. Councilor Dombrowski stated that the

Tri-Town Trail has signage to alert hikers about the archery hunting on the property

and to wear bright colored clothing.

Mr. Dennis Main, Avalonia Land Conservancy President, noted that their Organization

has quite a bit of property that could be used for hunting and he questioned the process

to add more Avalonia Properties to the Archery Hunting Program. Councilor

Dombrowski suggested Mr. Main send a letter to the Town Council with a list of the

open space properties that Avalonia Land Conservancy would like to make available

for the Archery Hunting Program provided by Ordinance #100-018 (rev 1). Land Use

Director-Town Planner Elizabeth Burdick suggested that Mr. Main also talk with the

Town Clerk about the process to obtain a Hunting License for the properties he would

like to add to the Archery Hunting Program. The Group noted that Mr. Main’s

question warranted additional discussion.

VOTE: 2- 0 Approved and so declared

RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL

RESULT: