Garage Dreams Deferred—For Now
A Backyard Pool Runs Into Regulatory Mud
Trail Approved, Pool Denied, Garage Tabled: A Full Docket for Farmington’s Wetlands Commission
🕰️ By Jack Beckett | May 8, 2025
FARMINGTON, CT — In a brisk but packed meeting on May 7, the Farmington Inland Wetlands and Conservation Commission navigated a range of land use issues—from historic trail connections to surprise encroachments into protected wetlands—all without losing their cool or their quorum.
🌲 Trail to the Past: Memorial Forest Connector Greenlit
Shannon Rutherford, Farmington’s town planner and a trustee of the Memorial Forest, presented a joint proposal from the Memorial Forest Board and the Farmington Land Trust to establish an 800- to 900-foot trail connecting the Land Trust’s new Coppermine Road headquarters with the red trail of the Memorial Forest.
Commissioners unanimously agreed the proposal met the standards for a non-regulated use under Section 4B of the wetlands regulations. With minimal clearing required—just some understory removal and trail blazes—the trail is expected to open in time for the Memorial Forest’s 100th anniversary.
Commissioner David Fox provided the evening’s most unexpected educational moment, correcting a longstanding typo in town regulations—“field trails” should be “field trials,” referencing a dog training tradition rather than a mystical hiking concept.
🏊♂️ Lang Pools and the Case of the Vanishing Buffer Zone
The Commission next tackled the curious case of Lang Pools, whose application for a backyard swimming pool at 24 Summersby Way was met with raised eyebrows after town staff discovered significant encroachment into both conservation and wetland zones.
Photos presented by town staff showed a lawn that had migrated across protected zones, prompting the Commission to consider a cease-and-desist order. While the applicant was not present, commissioners leaned toward requiring restoration of the disturbed area before any new construction could proceed.
Commissioner Rich Berlandi summed it up succinctly: “This area needs to be restored.” Others echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that a restoration plan must be prioritized over the application for a pool.
🚗 Garage Gained Ground — Barely
Larry Webster of 317 Meadow Road saw his application for a garage addition accepted—but not yet approved. Though the Commission found no major environmental concerns, protocol mandates a second meeting before a final vote.
The same was true for Lauren and Chris Sizer’s proposed two-car garage at 30 Waterville Road, situated near the Farmington Country Club’s 17th hole. The Sizers outlined plans to remove a few skinny trees and replace a crumbling shed with a new structure built by Clotter Farms. Despite the proximity to a nearby pond, the slope of the land and drainage routes put commissioners at ease. Still, final approval awaits the May 21 session.
🗂️ Minutes, Meetings, and Missed Votes
The Commission approved minutes from the April 16 meeting, but tabled approval of site walk minutes from April 14 for lack of review. Commissioner David Fox also raised a zoning query regarding a previously approved self-storage project on New Britain Avenue, which remains under zoning review pending stormwater and footprint documentation.
With no planner’s report and no further new business, the Commission adjourned just before 7:50 PM—after thoroughly traversing the line between regulated and non-regulated activity, one flagged trail and flagged lawn at a time.
💼 Sponsored by Farmington Storage
The Farmington Mercury is brought to you by Farmington Storage, Connecticut’s only self-storage facility that brags about its museum-quality air circulation. (We’re serious. That’s why your seasonal sweaters smell like art restoration.) Conveniently located at 155 Scott Swamp Road, we’ll hold your clutter until you love it again. Call 860.777.4001 — ask about our “Free the Garage” special. Or don’t. We’re not pushy.
✍️ Signature
Jack Beckett
Senior writer for The Farmington Mercury, reporter of conservation drama and zoning misadventures. Fueled by black coffee from Einstein Bros. on South Main — where they know my name and my espresso order (double, no lecture). Their Ballantyne Bagel with Shmear™ is a solid Plan B for anyone emotionally recovering from Planning & Zoning.
📍 Want more Farmington flavor? We’ve got zoning board sagas, real estate scoops, and every bureaucratic beat that matters. Dive into the archives, subscribe, or tell us what you’ve seen around town:
- 📰 Editorials
- 🏛 Zoning News
- 👮♀️ Law Enforcement Updates
- 🏘 For Sale in Farmington
- 🎓 FHS and Board of Ed
- 🌿 Wetlands Committee
📬 Subscribe to The Mercury
✉️ Contact Us
🐦 Message us on Twix (aka X.com)
Welcome to The Farmington Mercury — always last to breaking news, but first to explain it. 🐢📰
