By Kerri Williams

WESTPORT – The Planning & Zoning Commission did not make a decision Monday regarding a proposed four-lot subdivision on Old Road that several neighbors spoke out against.

Robert Pryor, an engineer for Landtech, presented the proposal for a four-lot open space subdivision on 6.1 acres of land at 107 Old Road owned by George Tsionis. The property contains two areas of wetlands, and the project was approved by both the Flood and Erosion Control Board and the Conservation Commission on June 4 and July 9, respectively. 

“The storm water management was extensively reviewed,” Pryor said.

Neighbors concerned about water flow, retaining wall

But that did not appease several neighbors who voiced concerns during the public hearing that constructing a new private road on the property could cause water overflow onto neighboring parcels. 

Neighbors also said they were concerned about the look of a retaining wall that would be constructed on either side of the roadway as well as the possibility that their properties could be affected during the construction process.

Grant Heller, of 6 Forest Drive, told commissioners about “significant flooding behind us,” voicing concerns that the subdivision could be “quite a significant problem.” He and other neighbors urged commissioners to tour the property to understand their concerns better.

Tour needed

Commission members said they will conduct a tour before revisiting the application on Oct. 6. P&Z Member Amy Wistreich also asked Pryor for more detailed drawings of the retaining wall to see how it would appear to people living adjacent to the proposed new road.

Pryor described the new roadway as needing to be 20 feet wide as required by the town to accommodate emergency vehicles. In order to not disturb the wetlands, the roadway, which would be constructed of permeable pavement, would be raised up with a pre-cast retaining wall on either side, he said.

More pleasing?

Pryor agreed to provide more detailed drawings and to look into the material used for the retaining wall to see if it could be more aesthetically pleasing. 

“I am not sure any solution I provide is going to satisfy the neighbors,” he added.

The property currently has a single-family home with a pool constructed around 1960. The new subdivision would include 2 acres of open space.

The stormwater system for the proposed subdivision has been designed to reduce peak flows and runoff volumes below predevelopment levels for a 25-year storm event, according to Landtech.

P&Z Chairman Paul Lebowitz said he likes the storm water management plan that captures water on the site. “I like what they are trying to do with the roadway with permeable paving,” he added.

Lebowitz said one concern is that workers who install the drain and other specific aspects of the roadway are properly qualified and do it correctly. “I would like your assurance on the record,” Lebowitz told Pryor.

Kerri Williams

^{_{Kerri Williams is an award-winning writer and journalist. She has worked as a reporter at the Norwalk Hour, as Living editor at the Darien News-Review, and managing editor for the Norwalk Citizen-News. For Westport Journal, she is a reporter as well as a gardening columnist, writing “Cultivating with Kerri.” She recently published her first children’s book – “Mabel’s Big Move,” based on her daughter with special needs.}}