To The Editor:

Before the Inland/Wetlands Commission sits an application for a sports facility with two fields, parking area and a concessions stand. I would like to present some additional information to the Commission .

Professional teams can roster up to 30 players but only dress 18 for match day. When I look at that information with regard to the application before you several things come to mind:

If 30 players are rostered and show up, that is 30 players for one team. Since two teams play a game that is a total of about 60 players that could show up for one field. Since the application states there will be two fields that means that 120 players can show up at the same time to play. In addition, there are the coaches for the four teams and other personnel to aide in the game. Plus those individuals who are staffing the concession stand.

In addition, there are family members who may attend, friends, and a network of coaches (scouts) who are there to assess players for a new team. This latter number of scouts are constantly present to look at the talent on the fields. There is no way to estimate the attendees. Will vehicles be parking on grassy area when there are no parking spots available? It has come to my attention that the applicant may be asking for additional parking spaces and a much larger concession stand which will again add to the impervious surface area creating possibly more eroding of the area in question.

The number of individuals who will attend and require parking will be more than the estimates before you. In addition, there is one roadway into and out of this complex. What happens when the games end and new ones start … how will they access the complex? To enter and leave the complex there is one roadway which will require a right turn only as an exit as turning left onto Mt Pleasant Road will create a backup into the complex causing vehicles of all types to idle for some time creating air pollution. The corner of Mt Pleasant and Hawleyville Rd is rated F by the State of CT. Ratings do not get any lower for traffic issues. The developer wants to add vehicles onto an “F” rated road?

I am wondering how emergency vehicles will access the complex with one road in/out? Injuries come with sports activities and EMS/Fire will need access. The proposed parking area and suggested entry/exit road is insufficient. Also I am concerned about the amount of asphalt required for the proposed parking areas. Remembering the storm last August, the run off will impact nearby properties and will be detrimental to surrounding wetlands as well as the creatures that inhabit that area. Impervious pavement required should be of concern to the Commission.

From the literature I have read, games will also be played at night requiring lighting which will affect the area wildlife and abutting homes/residents. In the POCD you are required to take this all into consideration when rendering your decision. A number of years past an application was brought forth requesting one field and that application was denied. This applicant has doubled that with the one before you. If the previous application was denied having less impact on the environment, this one which is double the size should be denied also.

Karen Martin

Sandy Hook