Conservation Mtg WedJul2 - cancel

[thomas harbinson]

Greetings All.  I see nothing pressing on the applications front that necessitates a monthly meeting for WedJul2.  Being close to the holiday, I propose we cancel that meeting.

A couple of updates on local projects:

• At last night's WedJun25 P&Z meeting, they received an 8-24 referral request from the Mayor, asking endorsing the City purchasing the right-of-way along Bpt Ave that is part of the Texas Roadhouse etc development.  The State DOT right-of-way was applied for purchase by the developer, but the process does require the CTDOT offer it to the City first, which apparently the City is pursuing.  The P&Z without discussion as to the merits endorsed such a move.
• Later in the meeting, P&Z had a prepared resolution read (they previously had asked for a positive resolution to be prepared) which they then approved.  The resolution had added language regarding a bond level appropriate for stabilization of the site.
• The cease and desist order on the project remains in place, which required all equipment to vacate the site.

Encroachments.

• Teresa has sent to everyone the encroachment at 65 Little Fox Run with photos and maps.  At the moment, I think we can rely on her letters and follow up, and then we can discuss if further action is needed.

State Legislation

• Teresa had sent an email regarding a proposed bill regarding mandating that camping be allowed on public property, over-riding local regulations.  It did not become law, but this may hamper future open space acquisitions or set-asides if people become concerned that it opens up the potential for homeless camping nearby their development.
• Some parcels are deed restricted due to the manner in which they were acquired, that they must be used for passive recreation.  Some parcels are open to more than Shelton residents due to the funding that was used to preserve the property.  
• The concept of 'open space' is broad, and when the Naugatuck Valley Council of Gov did an open space inventory of the region, it opened up awareness to the varying terms and language being used for "open space".  That work done in their inventory survey will help in documenting where this activity may be prohibited.
• Our Shelton Open Space regulations prohibit camping, and are only open from dawn to dusk.  There have been several homeless encampments over the years required to be addressed.  I can see us considering the subject, and although the proposed bill didn't make it to the floor, we can prepare a letter with our thoughts or concerns and send it to our local legislators for future reference.

Tom Harbinson

Tel: 203SirTomH