741 Colonel Ledyard Highway  
Ledyard, Connecticut 06339  
TOWN OF LEDYARD  
Planning & Zoning Commission  
Meeting Minutes - Final  
Chairman  
Wood  
Marty  
Special Meeting  
Thursday, December 12, 2024  
6:00 PM  
Ledyard Middle School - 1860 CT-12,  
Gales Ferry, CT 06335 (aka 1854  
CT-12)  
REMOTE MEETING INFORMATION  
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CALL TO ORDER  
I.  
II.  
III.  
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE  
ROLL CALL AND APPOINTMENT OF ALTERNATES  
Chairman Marcelle Wood  
Present  
Alternate Member Matthew Miello  
Alternate Member Beth E. Ribe  
Alternate Member James Harwood  
Vice Chair Paul Whitescarver  
Secretary Howard Craig  
Excused  
In addition, the following were present:  
Director of Land Use & Planning, Elizabeth Burdick  
Land Use Attorney, Matthew Willis  
Zoning Enforcement Official, Hannah Gienau  
Land Use Assistant, Anna Wynn  
Chairman Wood noted for the record that Alternate James Harwood will be seated for Vice  
Chair Paul Whitescarver, who is recused from application PZ#24-8SUP & PZ#24-9CAM. He  
stated that and Alternate member Matt Miello will be seated for Secretary Howard Craig.  
IV.  
APPROVAL OF ADDITIONS TO AND/OR CHANGES TO THE ORDER OF THE  
AGENDA  
None.  
V.  
CITIZENS PETITIONS (NON-AGENDA ITEMS ONLY)  
None.  
VI.  
PRE APPLICATION DISCUSSION AND/OR WORKSHOP  
None.  
VII. OLD BUSINESS  
A. PZ#24-10SITE & PZ#24-11CAM - 109 Military Highway (Parcel ID: 106-1590-109),  
Gales Ferry, CT - Applicant: Frank C. Borawski, P.E. - Owners: James & Sandra Onorato  
for Site Plan & Coastal Site Plan Approval for Bank Stabilization Project on Mill Cove.  
(Submitted 8/19/24, Date of Receipt 09/12/24, DRD 11/15/24).  
Director Burdick stated for the record that she received a request to table the application  
from the applicant with a twenty-eight (28) day extension of time.  
MOTION to table application PZ#24-10SITE & PZ#24-11CAM to the Planning & Zoning  
Special Meeting of January 9, 2025 at 6:00pm in the Ledyard Middle School Auditorium and  
on Zoom.  
TABLED  
RESULT:  
Marcelle Wood  
Beth E. Ribe  
MOVER:  
SECONDER:  
4
2
Wood, Miello, Ribe, and Harwood  
Whitescarver, and Craig  
AYE:  
EXCUSED:  
PZ#24-12SITE - 5A Lorenz Industrial Parkway, (Parcel ID: 138-1380-5A), Ledyard, CT,  
06339 - Agent, Peter Gardner - Applicant/Owner, A&R Associates Inc. for site plan approval  
for new 2370sf building and associated site improvements (Submitted 10/29/24, Date of  
Receipt 11/14/24, DRD 01/17/24)  
B.  
Director Burdick stated for the record that she received a request from the applicant on  
December 9, 2024 to table the application to the Planning & Zoning Special Meeting of  
January 9, 2025  
MOTION to table application PZ#24-12SITE to the Planning & Zoning Special Meeting of  
January 9, 2025 at 6:00pm in the Ledyard Middle School Auditorium and on Zoom.  
TABLED  
RESULT:  
Marcelle Wood  
Beth E. Ribe  
MOVER:  
SECONDER:  
4
2
Wood, Miello, Ribe, and Harwood  
Whitescarver, and Craig  
AYE:  
EXCUSED:  
VIII. NEW BUSINESS  
None.  
IX.  
PUBLIC HEARINGS/APPLICATIONS  
A.  
Public Hearing: PZ#24-8SUP & PZ#24-9CAM - 1737 and 1761 Connecticut Route 12  
(Parcel IDs: 76-2120-1737 &61-2120-1761), Gales Ferry, CT - Agent, Harry Heller, Esq.,  
Heller, Heller & McCoy - Applicant/Owner, Gales Ferry Intermodal, LLC for Special Use  
Permit/Site Plan Approval and Coastal Site Plan Review to modify an existing mixed-use  
(commercial/industrial) development for the addition of an Excavation Operation, Major.  
(Submitted 07/9/24, Date of Receipt 7/11/24, PH must open by 9/13/24, PH set for 9-12-24,  
PH must close by 10-16-24, PH Cont. to 9/26/24, PH Cont. to 10/10/24, PH Cont. to  
10/24/24, PH Cont. to 11/14/24, PH Cont. to 11/21/24, PH Cont. 12/5/24, 65 Day Ext.  
Granted, PH must close by 12/20/24, DRD 65-days from close PH).  
Chairman Wood reopened the public hearing at 6:13pm. Staff and the Commission discussed  
the proceedings of public comments for the evening.  
Chairman Wood called for Brian Sauvageau. Brian Sauvageau, 187 Iron Street, Ledyard,  
made the final remarks of his presentation.  
Attorney Heller of Heller, Heller & McCoy, 736 Norwich-New London Turnpike,  
Uncasville, CT, cross examined Mr. Sauvageau and clarified previous statements made at the  
last meeting.  
Director Burdick asked Mr. Sauvageau to restate for the record the names of state officials he  
had spoken with. Mr. Sauvageau stated that he spoke to Dr. Phillip Armstrong of The  
Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, Department of Entomology in New Haven,  
CT. He stated he spoke with the coordinator for the CT DEEP Wetland Habitat and  
Mosquito Management (WHAMM), Mr. Roger Wolfe.  
Attorney Heller and Mr. Sauvageau discussed which documents Mr. Sauvageau reviewed  
related to the application. They discussed subjects related to arsenic and bedrock. Director  
Burdick asked Mr. Sauvageau if he would be submitting any of his referenced documents for  
the record. Mr. Sauvageau submitted documents for the record and Director Burdick stated  
that they would be marked as exhibits #228, #228-1, #228-2, #228-3, #228-4, #228-5,  
#228-6.  
Chairman Wood called for Michele Kushman. Director Burdick stated that Ms. Kushman  
had called out last week from illness and she hadn't heard from her since.  
Chairman Wood called for Peter Gardner. Peter Gardner of Dieter & Gardner, 1641 Route  
12, Gales Ferry, made his public comment statement to the Commission. He stated his  
concerns with the proceeds of the Gales Ferry district intervening on application  
PZ#24-8SUP & PZ#24-9CAM.  
Chairman Wood called for Susan Axline. Susan Axline, 1742 Route 12, Apt #6B, Gales  
Ferry, made her public comment statement in opposition of the application. She submitted  
her written statement for the record, Director Burdick stated that her letter would be marked  
as exhibit #229.  
Chairman Wood called for Craig Mateyov. Mr. Mateyov did not come forward or identify  
himself in the audience.  
Chairman Wood called for Samuel Roudebush. Mr. Roudebush, 63 Hurlbutt Road, Gales  
Ferry, made his public comment statement in opposition of the application speaking  
specifically about fly rock. Chairman Wood gave a time warning stating that Mr. Roudebush  
had already been at the podium for 23 minutes. Director Burdick stated that Mr. Roudebush's  
letter and attachment had been marked as exhibits#230-1 and #230-2 for the record.  
Chairman Wood called for Margaret Laforest. Ms. Laforest of Laforest Strategic Advisors,  
236 Rock Island Rd, Quincy MA, representing the applicant Jay Cashman, made her  
presentation to the Commission regarding community concerns. The audience interrupted her  
presentation with various comments. Chairman Wood called for order from the audience.  
The audience continued to outburst.  
Attorney Willis stated that Ms. Laforest has the right to complete her presentation and that  
every member of the public has the right to speak. The audience continued to outburst.  
Chairman Wood reiterated the rules of conduct for the public hearing and called for order.  
Ms. Laforest completed her presentation. Director Burdick stated for the record that Ms.  
Laforest's presentation would be marked as exhibit #231.  
Commissioner Ribe asked if MSHA compliance is typically required for a site characterized  
as an excavation major. Attorney Heller replied anytime material is excavated and processed  
it comes under MSHA regulation. Chairman Wood and Attorney Heller discussed L10 and  
L90 levels related to the application.  
Chairman Wood called for Wayne Magro. Mr. Magro did not come forward or identify  
himself in the audience.  
Chairman Wood called for Sean Nugent. Sean Nugent, Chairman of the Board for SECTER,  
19-B Thames St, Groton, CT, gave his public comment statement in favor of the application  
speaking specifically about economic development.  
Chairman Wood called for Maria Hanna. Maria Hanna, 144 Tower Ave, Groton, CT, joining  
the meeting by Zoom, gave her public comment statement in favor of the application.  
Director Burdick stated for the record that Commissioner Miello, who was attending via  
Zoom, was leaving the meeting and is excused. She stated that the Commission still has a  
quorum.  
Chairman Wood called for Rich Hine. Rich Hine did not come forward or identify himself in  
the audience. Chairman Wood called for Kevin Brown. Kevin Brown did not come forward  
or identify himself in the audience. Chairman Wood called for Jeff Smith. Jeff Smith did not  
come forward or identify himself in the audience.  
Chairman Wood called for Corey Willingham. Corey Willingham, 1761 Route 12, Gales  
Ferry, current employee of Jay Cashman Enterprises, gave his public comment statement in  
support of the application.  
Chairman Wood called for Bruce Edwards. Bruce Edwards, 30 Bluff Road West, Gales  
Ferry, gave his presentation to the Commission in opposition of the application. Director  
Burdick stated for the record that his document would be marked as exhibit #232.  
Chairman Wood called for Jolie Isenburg. Jolie Isenburg, 29 Chapman Lane, Gales Ferry,  
gave her public comment statement in opposition of the application. She handed additional  
documents to the Commission. Director Burdick stated for the record that Ms. Isenburg's  
documents will be marked as exhibits #233-1 and #233-2.  
***10 MINUTE RECESS***  
Chairman Wood called for Gabe Stern. Gabe Stern, 1065 Long Cove Road, Gales Ferry,  
made his public comment statement in opposition of the application.  
Chairman Wood called for Glenn Tainter. Glenn Tainter, 42 Robinhood Drive, Gales Ferry,  
gave his public comment statement in opposition of the application. Mr. Tainter and staff  
discussed if would have to resubmit his letter for the record as he had submitted it for  
previous applications. Staff said yes. Director Burdick stated for the record that Mr. Tainter's  
letter will be marked as exhibit #234.  
Chairman Wood called for Douglas Schwartz. Douglas Schwartz, 189 Thames Street,  
Groton, gave his public comment statement in opposition of the application. Chairman Wood  
asked how much longer his presentation would take as Mr. Schwartz has already gone over  
15 minutes. The audience began to outburst. Mr. Schwartz passed out rock samples to the  
Commission.  
Director Burdick stated that Mr. Schwartz's presentation and rock samples would be marked  
as exhibits #235-1 and #235-2 for the record.  
Chairman Wood called for Caitlin Houser. Caitlin Houser, 10 Tom Allyn Court, Gales Ferry,  
gave her public comment statement in opposition of the application that was previously  
marked as exhibit #212.  
Chairman Wood called for Ed Murray. Ed Murray, 26 Devonshire Drive, Gales Ferry, gave  
his public comment statement in opposition of the application.  
Chairman Wood called for Liz Smith. Elizabeth Smith, 40 Chapman Lane, Gales Ferry, gave  
her public comment statement in opposition of the application. Director Burdick stated for  
the record that Ms. Smith's documents would be marked as exhibits #236-1 and #236-2.  
Chairman Wood called for David Kirpas. David Kirpas did not come forward or identify  
himself in the audience.  
Chairman Called for Jennifer Zeronsa. Jennifer Zeronsa, 18 Bluff Road West, Gales ferry,  
gave her public comment presentation in opposition of the application specifically talking  
about economic impact. Director Burdick stated that the presentation would be marked as  
exhibit #237 for the record.  
Chairman Wood called for Jim Kelley. Jim Kelley, 17 Winthrop Road, Gales Ferry, read into  
the record a letter from the American Lung Association as requested by Laura Palmese  
previously marked as exhibit #205-2. He made additional comments in opposition of the  
application.  
Chairman Wood called for Jay Cashman of Jay Cashman Enterprises. The audience  
interjected and made various outbursts. Staff and the Commission discussed if there would  
be time for more speakers after Mr. Cashman. Several members of the public chimed in that  
they would like to made comments to the commission before the end of the evening. Jay  
Cashman made his public comment statement to the Commission offering his perspective of  
the application and property.  
Deborah Edwards, 30 Bluff Road West, Gales Ferry, made her public comment statement in  
opposition of the application. Director Burdick stated that Ms. Edwards's letter would be  
marked as exhibit #238 for the record.  
Director Burdick stated that all members of the public have until December 19th to submit  
written statements for the record.  
MOTION to continue the public hearing on application PZ#24-8SUP & PZ#24-9CAM to the  
Planning & Zoning Special Meeting of December 19, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. in the Ledyard  
Middle School auditorium and on Zoom.  
CONTINUE  
Marcelle Wood  
Beth E. Ribe  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
SECONDER:  
3
2
1
Wood, Ribe, and Harwood  
AYE:  
Craig, and Miello  
Whitescarver  
EXCUSED:  
RECUSED:  
B.  
Discussion & Decision: PZ#24-8SUP & PZ#24-9CAM - 1737 and 1761 Connecticut  
Route 12 (Parcel IDs: 76-2120-1737 & 61-2120-1761), Gales Ferry, CT - Agent, Harry  
Heller, Esq., Heller, Heller & McCoy - Applicant/Owner, Gales Ferry Intermodal, LLC for  
Special Use Permit/Site Plan Approval and Coastal Site Plan Review to modify an existing  
mixed-use (commercial/industrial) development for the addition of an Excavation Operation,  
Major. (Submitted 07/9/24, Date of Receipt 7/11/24, PH must open by 9/13/24, PH set for 9-12-24, PH must  
close by 10-16-24, PH Cont. to 9/26/24, PH Cont. to 10/10/24, PH Cont. to 10/24/24, PH Cont. to 11/14/24,  
PH Cont. to 11/21/24, PH Cont. 12/5/24, 65 Day Ext. Granted, PH must close by 12/20/24, DRD 65-days from  
close PH).  
CONTINUE  
RESULT:  
AYE:  
3
2
Wood, Ribe, and Harwood  
Craig, and Miello  
EXCUSED:  
1
Whitescarver  
RECUSED:  
X.  
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS  
MOTION to approve PZC Special Meeting Minutes of November 21, 2024  
A.  
Chairman Wood tabled this business until the Planning & Zoning Special Meeting of  
January 9, 2024 at the Ledyard Middle School and on Zoom.  
TABLED  
RESULT:  
B.  
Chairman Wood tabled this business until the Planning & Zoning Special Meeting of  
January 9, 2024 at the Ledyard Middle School and on Zoom.  
TABLED  
RESULT:  
XI.  
CORRESPONDENCE  
None.  
XII. REPORTS  
None.  
XIII. ADJOURNMENT  
Commissioner Harwood moved the meeting be adjourned, seconded Commissioner Ribe  
The meeting adjourned at 10:50 p.m.  
VOTE: 3-0 Approved and so declared  
Respectively Submitted,  
_______________________________  
Chairman Wood  
Planning & Zoning Commmission  
DISCLAIMER: Although we try to be timely and accurate these are not official records of the  
Town.