Batterson Park’s $10 Million Makeover Takes Shape: Wetlands and Development Discussed

Farmington Conservation and Inland Wetlands Commission Meeting Recap – October 16, 2024

The Farmington Conservation and Inland Wetlands Commission held a detailed and multifaceted meeting on October 16, 2024, at Town Hall (1 Monteith Drive). The session covered significant development projects, enforcement actions, and updates on ongoing park rehabilitation. The commissioners discussed these matters with an eye toward environmental protection and sustainable development.

The full meeting can be viewed on YouTube.

Richard Jones Construction LLC Proposes Modifications at 8556 New Britain Avenue

The first major agenda item involved a proposed site plan amendment for 8556 New Britain Avenue, owned by Richard Jones Construction LLC. David Whitney, a professional engineer from Avon, CT, represented the applicant and outlined the changes to the original site plan, which had previously been approved by the commission. The property, which sits next to the Farmington Town Highway Garage and borders the popular “Rails to Trails” greenway, will undergo some notable adjustments.

Proposed Changes:

• The repositioning of a previously approved building to the northeast to improve site functionality.
• Add 3,820 square feet of impervious surface for parking, along with 1,600 square feet of new site disturbance.
• Improved stormwater management, including a catch basin to capture runoff from the new parking area.

Whitney assured the commission that “no mature trees would be affected,” and that the area being cleared is mostly “scrub growth.” He emphasized that stormwater management was designed to prevent runoff from directly entering Hyde Brook. “The catch basin will ensure water quality is maintained, diverting the runoff into an approved infiltration system and then into a retention basin,” he said.

Commission Reactions

While some commissioners found the proposed changes reasonable, others voiced concerns about the proximity of the new development to Hyde Brook. Acting Chair Robert Eisner noted, “The modifications don’t seem overly extensive. It’s reassuring that no mature trees will be removed.” However, Commissioner Mark Simpson expressed caution, given that some parking spaces would be situated just 54 feet from the brook. “We’re talking about a commercial development here, not a residential property. The potential for contaminants to impact the brook is a concern,” he said.

Commissioner David Fox inquired about the stormwater system’s capacity, given the increased impervious surface: “Will the system be expanded to handle the new load?” Whitney confirmed that an update to the stormwater system was indeed underway, with calculations to be submitted soon.

Ultimately, the commission decided against scheduling a site walk, with Commissioner Richard Berlandy agreeing, “I don’t see the need for a site visit; the changes are minimal.” The next review is set for November 6, 2024, when updated stormwater plans will be discussed.

Watch this part of the discussion on YouTube.

$10 Million Rehabilitation Plan for Batterson Park Unveiled

A presentation on the revitalization of Batterson Park, located on Batterson Park Road, took up the majority of the meeting’s time. The park, which spans 266 acres and includes Batterson Park Pond, had fallen into disrepair, leading to its closure in 2015. Now, thanks to a $10 million state grant, efforts are underway to restore the park to its former status as a recreational hub.

Paul Drumey, a representative from the City of Hartford, provided an overview: “This project has been years in the making. We’re finally moving forward, thanks in part to support from State Representative Matt Ritter, who helped secure funding through the ‘Passport for Parks’ program. The goal is to have the park fully operational by mid-2025.”

Key Elements of the Rehabilitation Plan

• New Multi-Use Trail: An eight-foot-wide, paved multi-use trail will stretch over a mile, connecting the park to the DEEP-controlled boat launch at the southern end of the pond. This trail aims to support recreational activities such as 5K events and environmental education.
• New Park Entrance: A new access road will be created off Batterson Park Road, designed to divert park traffic away from residential areas while maintaining utility access.
• Facility Upgrades: The plans include a maintenance garage, a playground made of natural materials, picnic areas with permanent grilling stations, and a floating fishing pier.
• Wetlands Boardwalk: A boardwalk will be installed through the wetland meadow, replacing an existing path that frequently floods. This will enhance both the park’s accessibility and its ecological functions.

Concerns Raised by the Commission

Despite the ambitious plans, several commissioners expressed concerns about the project’s impact on wetlands. In particular, a suspected vernal pool located in the northwest corner was a topic of discussion.

Ethan Sneesby, a soil scientist with BSC Group, acknowledged the pool’s potential ecological significance. “We couldn’t conduct a full species count because of dry conditions during our survey,” he explained. “But it’s reasonable to assume the area could serve as a critical habitat for amphibians.”

Eisner advised the applicants to proceed with caution. “Let’s treat the vernal pool as a valuable environmental feature that needs protection,” he suggested. “Incorporating safeguards for this habitat into your mitigation strategy would be wise.”

Commissioner Andre Simons shared his thoughts on the park’s rehabilitation: “The restoration is commendable, but we need to ensure we’re not trading off wetland preservation for recreational development.”

A site walk was scheduled for October 27, 2024, to evaluate the potential impacts on wetlands and the vernal pool. If deemed necessary, a public hearing will be scheduled for December 4, 2024, to gather community feedback and further discuss the project.

The full presentation is available on YouTube.

Cease and Desist Update for 1509 Farmington Avenue

The meeting also covered updates on a cease-and-desist order for unpermitted activity at 1509 Farmington Avenue. Town Planner Bruce Seer reported that while work on the property has halted, the owner has not complied with the town’s enforcement requirements. “Fines are continuing to accrue, and we’ve yet to receive any communication from the owner,” Seer said.

Seer explained that the next step involves sending a final notice with an updated fine schedule. If no response is received, the matter will proceed to a hearing. The town has kept the matter on each meeting agenda, but the property owner has yet to appear.

Other Business and Upcoming Actions

The commission took a few moments to recognize the election of officers for the upcoming year. Ned Stachin was confirmed as Chair, with Robert Eisner continuing as Vice Chair and David Fox remaining as Secretary. The commissioners thanked Stachin for his leadership and dedication to the commission.

The site walk for Batterson Park will take place on October 27, 2024, beginning at 9 a.m. The commission’s next regular meeting will occur on November 6, 2024, where the status of ongoing projects will be reviewed, and the possibility of a public hearing will be discussed.

Special Thanks to Our Sponsor

We extend a special thank you to Farmington Storage, located at 155 Scott Swamp Road, Farmington, CT 06032, for supporting this coverage. Need extra space? Call 860-777-4001 for reliable and affordable storage solutions.

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