Date: Fri 15-Nov-1996

Publication: Bee

Author: ANDYG

Quick Words:

Eagle-Ridge-P&Z-Shepaug-Dam

Full Text:

Hearing Draws Questions On Impact Of Subdivision On Eagle Site

B Y A NDREW G OROSKO

The Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) is considering a proposal to build a

residential subdivision on almost 17 acres in the vicinity of a bald eagle

overwintering site.

But some residents have cautioned that adequate steps must be taken to prevent

any damage to the birds' habitat.

High Meadow Farm Associates has proposed the seven-lot residential subdivision

known as "Eagle Ridge" for land north of Alberts Hill Road. Although the

parcel would be split into seven lots, only six lots would be building lots.

One lot would remain undeveloped and serve as open space. The developers plan

to donate more than three acres to the Newtown Forest Association, a private

group that acquires and maintains local open space land.

The site proposed for construction is near Shepaug Dam on the Housatonic

River. Between December and March, bald eagles hunt for fish in the open water

just downriver of the dam.

Northeast Utilities maintains an observation booth on the east side of the

river in Southbury from which visitors can watch the eagles feeding in the

river. The Nature Conservancy helps run the eagle observation program.

The proposed subdivision doesn't include any construction work in wetland

areas and thus doesn't require a wetlands construction license, according to

town Environmental Official David Thompson.

Charles Spath, representing the developers, told P&Z members at a November 7

public hearing the applicants have owned the Alberts Hill Road property for

about five years.

Nearby resident Charles Tilson of Alberts Hill Road expressed concern over

preserving bald eagle habitat in the area.

Cindy Tilson of Alberts Hill Road expressed concerns about the housing density

in the area in light of the bald eagle feeding grounds downriver of Shepaug

Dam.

"It really is a pretty area," she said, adding she wants to be sure there's

sufficient open space there to protect wildlife.

Although the eagles feed just downriver of the dam, they roost upstream along

the banks of the Shepaug River, a tributary of the Housatonic.

Mr Spath said The Nature Conservancy will be working with the Newtown Forest

Association to ensure that the overwintering eagles will be well protected

from development.

The building lots proposed for Eagle Ridge are bigger than the minimum

two-acre lot size allowed in that area, Mr Spath said. The development

proposal includes conservation easements which limit the changes that can be

made to the landscape, he said.

The development proposal is in harmony with the town's land use regulations,

according to Mr Spath.

Mike Pelillo, representing The Cornerstone of Eagle Hill, a residential

treatment center for alcoholism and substance abuse on Alberts Hill Road, had

questions for Mr Spath on where the proposed homes would be situated in

relation to the Eagle Hill property.

Mr Spath responded that the Eagle Ridge subdivision would abut Eagle Hill

property and that a new house would be built roughly 125 feet from the Eagle

Hill property line.

Resident Jack Bestor of Walnut Tree Hill Road said "There's something joyful

about having those eagles over there."

Building homes in the vicinity of the eagles' feeding grounds probably will

have some effect on their presence in the area, Mr Bestor said. If the eagles

are negatively affected by homes in the area, it would diminish the local

quality of life, he said.

Mr Bestor asked P&Z members to continue the public hearing on Eagle Ridge to a

future meeting so that P&Z members could consult with The Nature Conservancy

on whether the bald eagle feeding grounds will be adequately protected.

Acting P&Z Chairman Thomas Paisley, however, closed the hearing. P&Z action on

Eagle Ridge is expected at an upcoming session.