TOWN OF WESTON, CONNECTICUT

ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS SPECIAL HEARING

November 5, 2007

Present: Board Members: Chairman Richard Wolf, Vice-Chairman McCleod Snaith, Nick Noyes, Carolyn Mulcahey, Robert Gardner and Alternate: Harriette Heller

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Chairman Wolf called the Special Public Hearing to order at 7:32 p.m. and the Board Secretary read the notice of the hearing into the record.

TOWN REQUEST FOR VARIANCE TO SEC. IV E OF THE TOWN’S FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT REGULATION FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE CARTBRIDGE ROAD BRIDGE.

Arthur DiCesare from the design firm, and Michael Sears, hydrologist came forward to present the application. Tom Landry, Town Administrator, also came forward and explained that in April, 2007 a 50 year storm took out the Cartbridge Road bridge. The Town has been successful in getting FEMA funding for 70% of the design cost, and will contribute the same percentage in construction cost. He noted that Planning & Zoning will have to approve the bridge in the flood plane, Conservation will need to approve the inland waterway work and the DEP has waived their flood management certification plan and will most likely not require any additional permits. The problem is that the town floodplain regulations are in conflict with the state regulations and the town will need a variance.

Arthur DiCesare then came forward and gave an overview of the project. He noted that the proposed bridge will be longer in span to allow for a better water and ancillary traffic flow. Michael Sears, hydrologist, then described the hydrology in that area. He noted that a large scour hole has developed over the years just underneath bridge which created a situation known as hydraulic jump which changes the flow characteristics drastically. John Conti, Town Engineer also commented that this is the third time that bridge has been out, it was reinforced in 1985, but they need to widen the bridge 9 ft. to prevent the scouring.

Following some additional discussion, the public hearing was closed at 8:14 p.m.

DELIBERATIONS:

(Voting members: Wolf, Snaith, Mulcahey, Noyes and Gardner)

Mr. Snaith commented that he had no problem at all with the request. Mr. Wolf then read the proposed resolution.

ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS, NOVEMBER 5, 2007 PAGE 2

Mr. Snaith made a motion to approve the variance request to Sec IV E of the Town Floodplain Management Regulations for replacement of the Cartbridge Road bridge. Mr. Gardner seconded the motion.

Ms. Mulcahey commented that they are returning the level back to what it was originally.

All in favor, the motion carried (5-0).

MOTION TO ADJOURN:

Mr. Noyes made a motion to adjourn and Mr. Wolf seconded. All in favor, the meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Delana Lustberg

Board Clerk