Church Expansion Gets Wetlands Approval

The Newtown Congregational Church’s church expansion proposal has gained Conservation Commission approval for the wetland aspects of the project.

 Conservation Official C. Stephen Driver said October 11 commission members October 10 approved the church’s plans, subject to the submission of certain construction drawings detailing aspects of the work.

The church expansion proposal still requires a site plan approval from the Borough Zoning Commission.

Conservation Commission members were very thorough in reviewing the church’s expansion plans for its 14 West Street property, Mr Driver said. Before moving to 14 West Street, the church occupied what is known as The Meeting House on Main Street, next to the flagpole.

Commission review of the development plans focused on the proximity of proposed new construction to a wetland, and also on drainage on the site, Mr Driver said.

The commission is requiring that storm water draining on the church site enter a storm water treatment system instead of directly entering a wetland, he said.

Commission members closely reviewed the proposal to prevent environmental damage to wetlands stemming from increased development on the property, he said.