provide connectivity between the Town Center and Ledyard High School.
Steve Masalin, Town Public Works Director introduced the project to the IWWC. Nick
DePalmero from Weston & Sampson was also present to provide details about the project. The
project is being funded in part with a LOTCIP grant and Town ARPA funds.
The multi-use path will be 10ft wide and run along Colonel Ledyard Highway from Rte. 117 to
the High School. There are two areas of wetlands along the route. Some wetlands impacts are
caused by sleep slopes along the trail in the vicinity of wetlands. There will be three sites with
retaining walls to reduce impact on wetlands in these areas with steep slopes. There will be
improvements made to Holdridge Circle, a pedestrian crossing at the light at Rte. 117 and the
intersection of Gallup Hill and CLH will be realigned. The path will be bituminous concrete to
make maintenance easier.
The total project area of disturbance is 3.65 acres. Regulated area disturbance is approximately
18,000sf. Only .82% of total project area impacts wetlands, with only 120sf of permanent
Wetlands impact at the first crossing, and 570sf of permanent impact at the second crossing area
- mostly related to grading. Mr. DePalmero stated there would be 30cy of fill within the wetlands
along Gallup Hill.
Commission members asked about adjacent owners and if any permissions are required to do the
work. Mr. DePalmero said the impact to abutting properties will be minimal. Some screening
may be needed and regrading etc.
Mr. Gardner asked question about the width of the sidewalks that are being extended.
Mr. Masalin stated there was a public meeting to solicit comments and concerns.
With respect to water quality and potential impact to the wetlands from run-off, there will be
new catch basins and a hydrodynamic separator to filter out sediment and other substances.
These will be maintained by the town. Detention/Infiltration basins are also proposed to
naturally filter the water.
Commissioner Thompson asked about other permits/approvals needed.
Mr. DePalmero stated that the NDDB review was completed. One protected species was found
and measures will be taken to protect it during construction. They are waiting on a letter from
the Historic Society and Army Corps of Engineers. No Stormwater permits are needed.
Commissioner Pealer asked about the relation of the trail project to the proposed installation of
the sewer line, and Commissioners discussed whether there would be additional impact caused
by the sewer line being installed in the same area.
WEO Len Johnson provided input. He feels the water quality would be improved with the
drainage infrastructure proposed and the impact to the wetlands would not be significant.
MOTION made to classify Application IWWC#22-16URA as a Class B (Non-significant
Activity)
Motion Passed unanimously.
MOVER
Beth E.Ribe