August 2, 2016
- CANCELLATION OF SCOPING PROCESS AND PUBLIC MEETING! Major Rehabilitation or Replacement of Heroes Tunnel (Bridge 00773) Route 15 Through West Rock Ridge, Woodbridge, Hamden, New Haven
- Preston River Walk Remediation, Preston
- Evaluation for Maintenance Building at East Haven Rifle Range, East Haven
- Additional Landings at East Haven Rifle Range, East Haven
- NEW! New Commuter Railroad Station - Barnum Avenue, Bridgeport
- NEW! Seaside State Park Master Plan, Waterford
Post-Scoping Notices: Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) Not Required
- Reconstruction of Old Farms Road, Avon
- Southbury Affordable-Elderly Housing Development, Southbury
No Land Transfer Notice has been submitted for publication in this edition.
The next edition of the Environmental Monitor will be published on August 16, 2016.
"Scoping" is for projects in the earliest stages of planning. At the scoping stage, detailed information on a project's design, alternatives, and environmental impacts does not yet exist. Sponsoring agencies are asking for comments from other agencies and from the public as to the scope of alternatives and environmental impacts that should be considered for further study. Send your comments to the contact person listed for the project by the date indicated.
1. Cancellation of Scoping for Rehabilitation or Replacement of Bridge No. 00773 (Heroes Tunnel) - Route 15 through West Rock Ridge
Municipalities where proposed project might be located: Woodbridge, Hamden, and New Haven
Address of Possible Project Location: Bridge No. 00773 (Heroes Tunnel) - Route 15 through West Rock Ridge.
Project Description: Bridge No. 00773, also known as the Heroes Tunnel, consists of twin 1,200 foot long horseshoe shaped tunnels, carrying two lanes of Route 15 (Wilbur Cross Parkway) traffic in each direction through the West Rock Ridge. The Heroes Tunnel carries approximately 71,000 vehicles daily and is a vital scenic connector between New York and Hartford, as well as an alternate expressway route to Interstate 95 and Interstate 91.
Structural and drainage deficiencies have been identified within the Heroes Tunnel. The general deterioration necessitates either rehabilitation or replacement. In addition to the deteriorating condition of the tunnel, other characteristics are substandard such as the electrical and mechanical utilities. All of which would be upgraded or improved through the rehabilitation or replacement of the existing tunnel.
The recently completed preliminary study of the project has identified several rehabilitation alternatives, which include variations of tunnel rehabilitation, tunnel widening, and construction of a new third tunnel. This project will be advanced into the preliminary design phase in the near future, where the alternatives identified in the study will be investigated in greater detail.
Project Map: Click here to view a map of the project area.
The previously scheduled Public Scoping Meeting for July 27 2016 has been cancelled and will be rescheduled at a later date. This project will be re-scoped at some point in the near future and the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) will accept comments at that time. CTDOT wishes to cancel the current scoping process for this project, which began on July 5, 2016.
If you have questions about the cancelled scoping meeting, or other questions about the scoping for this project, contact:
| Name: | Mr. David A. Cutler, Transportation Supervising Engineer |
| Address: | 2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT 06131 |
| Phone: | 860-594-3210 |
| E-Mail: |
2. Notice of Scoping for Preston Riverwalk Remediation
Municipality where proposed project might be located: Preston
Address of Possible Project Location: 14 Route 12, Preston, CT 06365
Project Description: The Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) will utilize up to $10 million of funds allocated under Public Act No. 15-193 to perform abatement, demolition and remediation activities at the approximately 393-acre former Norwich State Hospital located in the Town of Preston. The site, which was formerly owned and operated by the State, has been included on the DECD Priority List of state-owned and formerly state-owned brownfields under Section 3 of (P.A. 15-193.)
The site has been dormant since the hospital closed its doors in 1996 and the Town of Preston took title to the property from the state in 2009. In May 2016, the Town of Preston and the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority (MTGA) entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with regard to the sale and redevelopment of the property.
The proposed State funding will not be used for the redevelopment of the site, which will be privately financed. The $10 million will be used for the abatement of hazardous building materials, demolition activities, remediation, and related professional services.
Project Map: Click here to view a Location Map of the project area.
Written comments from the public are welcomed and will be accepted until the close of business on: Friday, August 19, 2016. Any person can ask the sponsoring agency to hold a Public Scoping Meeting by sending such a request to the address below. If a meeting is requested by 25 or more individuals, or by an association that represents 25 or more members, the sponsoring agency shall schedule a Public Scoping Meeting. Such requests must be made by Friday, July 29, 2016.
Written comments and/or requests for a Public Scoping Meeting should be sent to
| Name: | Maya Loewenberg |
| Agency: | Department of Economic and Community Development |
| Address: | 505 Hudson Street, Hartford, CT 06106 |
| Fax: | 860-760-5740 |
| E-Mail: | maya.loewenberg@ct.gov |
If you have questions about the public meeting, or other questions about the scoping for this project, contact:
| Name: | Maya Loewenberg |
| Agency: | Department of Economic and Community Development |
| Address: | 505 Hudson Street, Hartford, CT 06106 |
| Phone: | 860-270-8155 |
| Fax: | 860-760-5740 |
| E-Mail: | maya.loewenberg@ct.gov |
3. Notice of Scoping for Evaluation for Maintenance Building Location at East Haven Rifle Range
Municipality: East Haven, CT
Project Description: Executive Order 13690 Evaluation for East Haven Rifle Range Maintenance Building, Federal Executive Order 13690 – Establishing a Federal Flood Risk Management for Further Soliciting and Considering Stakeholder Input, The Connecticut Military Department is soliciting public and stakeholder input for the construction of a new Range Maintenance Building at the existing East Haven Rifle Range Facility owned and operated by the Connecticut Military Department.
Project Maps: Click to view a map of the project area.
Click to view the FEMA flood map.
Click to view the master plan.
Click to view the layout plan.
Written comments from the public are welcomed and will be accepted until the close of business on: Friday, 19 August 2016.
Any person can ask the sponsoring agency to hold a Public Scoping Meeting by sending such a request to the address below by Friday, 29 July 2016. If a meeting is requested by 25 or more individuals, or by an association that represents 25 or more members, the sponsoring agency shall schedule a Public Scoping Meeting.
Additional information about this project can be viewed in person at 360 Broad Street, Hartford, CT 06105
Written comments and/or requests for a Public Scoping Meeting should be sent to:
Name: Rob Dollak
Agency: Connecticut Military Department
Address: 360 Broad Street, Hartford, CT 06105
E-Mail: robert.f.dollak.nfg@mail.mil
If you have questions about the public meeting, or other questions about the scoping for this project, contact:
Name: Rob Dollak
Agency: Connecticut Military Department
Address: 360 Broad Street, Hartford, CT 06105
E-Mail: robert.f.dollak.nfg@mail.mil
Phone: 860-524-4945
The agency released an Environmental Impact Evaluation for this project in September, 2007.
4. Notice of Scoping for Additional Landings of Helicopters at East Haven Rifle Range
Municipality: East Haven, CT
Project Description: Project is for an increase of the current number of helicopter landings from approximately 4-5 annually to once per month.
Click to see the environmental checklist.
Project Maps: Click to view a map of the project area.
Click to see the landing zone.
Written comments from the public are welcomed and will be accepted until the close of business on:Friday, 19 August 2016.
Any person can ask the sponsoring agency to hold a Public Scoping Meeting by sending such a request to the address below by Friday, 29 July 2016. If a meeting is requested by 25 or more individuals, or by an association that represents 25 or more members, the sponsoring agency shall schedule a Public Scoping Meeting.
Additional information about this project can be viewed in person at 360 Broad Street, Hartford, CT 06105
Written comments and/or requests for a Public Scoping Meeting should be sent to:
Name: Rob Dollak
Agency: Connecticut Military Department
Address: 360 Broad Street, Hartford, CT 06105
E-Mail: robert.f.dollak.nfg@mail.mil
If you have questions about the public meeting, or other questions about the scoping for this project, contact:
Name: Rob Dollak
Agency: Connecticut Military Department
Address: 360 Broad Street, Hartford, CT 06105
E-Mail: robert.f.dollak.nfg@mail.mil
Phone: 860-524-4945
5. Notice of Scoping for New Commuter Railroad Station - Barnum Avenue
Municipality where proposed project might be located: Bridgeport
Address of Possible Project Location: Barnum Avenue between Seaview Avenue and Pembroke Street
Project Description: The proposed project consists of constructing a new commuter rail station on the New Haven Line of Metro North Railroad. The proposed project will include two center-island platforms to provide the flexibility to serve both local and express trains, reconstructing track to accommodate these platforms, cross-track passenger access, widening of the retained railroad embankment, catenary structure relocation, a surface parking lot, and associated landscaping. The proposed project site is currently vacant, and was previously occupied by structures associated with the Remington Arms Facility. The proposed station would require expanding the railroad right-of-way (ROW) to accommodate the passenger platforms and would require permanently closing or relocating Crescent Avenue between Hallett Street and Waterview Avenue, and potentially to Seaview Avenue. The vacant site north of the ROW would serve as the surface parking lot. It is also possible that some type of small facility may be constructed to serve multiple purposes including a waiting area for passengers. It is proposed that vehicles would access the station from Barnum avenue; pedestrian and cyclists access routes to the station will consider ease of access, surrounding land use, and future development in the vicinity.
Currently, East Bridgeport suffers from a lack of convenient rail service, needed to sustain existing businesses and meet the areas future transportation demands. Due in large part to planning and financing efforts of the City of Bridgeport, significant development projects are underway or planned in East Bridgeport. The proposed station will support this growth.
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (Department) is currently in coordination with the CT State Historic Preservation Office, which has determined that proposed project site contains above ground historic resources. The New Haven Line track and associated infrastructure is considered eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. The Department anticipates that the demolition of the retaining walls and associated track infrastructure will constitute an adverse effect. Mitigation measures will be developed as the proposed project progresses.
Project Maps: Click here to view maps of the project area.
Written comments from the public are welcomed and will be accepted until the close of business on: Friday September 2, 2016
Any person can ask the sponsoring agency to hold a Public Scoping Meeting by sending such a request to the address below. If a meeting is requested by 25 or more individuals, or by an association that represents 25 or more members, the sponsoring agency shall schedule a Public Scoping Meeting. Such requests must be made by Friday August 12, 2016.
Written comments and/or requests for a Public Scoping Meeting should be sent to
| Name: | Mr. Mark W. Alexander, Transportation Assistant Planning Director |
| Agency: |
Connecticut Department of Transportation
Bureau of Policy and Planning
|
| Address: |
2800 Berlin Turnpike
Newington, CT 06131
|
| Fax: | 860-594-3028 |
| E-Mail: |
If you have questions about the scoping for this project, contact:
| Name: | Mr. Keith A. Hall, Project Manager |
| Agency: |
Connecticut Department of Transportation
Bureau of Engineering and Construction
|
| Address: |
2800 Berlin Turnpike
Newington, CT 06131
|
| Phone: | 860-594-3301 |
| E-Mail: | Keith.A.Hall@ct.gov |
The Connecticut Department of Transportation's (CTDOT) Environmental Classification Document requires the preparation of an Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) for projects involving the construction of a new rail facility. CTDOT expects to release an EIE for this project for public review and comment in 2017.
6. Notice of Scoping for Seaside State Park Master Plan
Municipality where proposed project might be located: Waterford
Address of Possible Project Location: 36 Shore Road
Project Description: The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, Bureau of Outdoor Recreation is proposing to implement the Seaside State Park Master Plan (July 2016), which is to further the transformation of the former Seaside Regional Center site into a 32-acre State park. The Master Plan has five main goals, which are: 1) promote and improve recreation and public access to Long Island Sound; 2) Restore, preserve, and reuse historic assets where feasible; 3) preserve and improve the site’s ecology and habitat; 4) create an implementation and operating plan that is financially feasible; and 5) engage the public in helping shape the future of Seaside State Park.
The Master Plan explored and identified three potential State park concepts. The three concepts and their main elements are:
- Destination Park: a) active beach park with serpentine boardwalk and living shoreline; b) park lodge featuring renovation of historic buildings, sun decks and restaurant, adjacent private cottage rentals; and c) living shoreline restoration of oyster reef and coastal woodland habitat.
-
Ecological Park: a) nature trail linking wildlife viewing areas; b) landscape art installations with a heliotropic theme; c) living shoreline restoration of oyster reef and coastal woodland habitat; and d) historic buildings demolished.
- Passive Recreation Park: a) low maintenance open lawns and tree groves; b) unprogrammed park grounds and beaches; c) restoration of seawall; and d) historic buildings demolished.
Project Map(s): Click on the following links to view:
- Location Map of the project area (656 kb)
- Aerial Photo of Existing Site (2.2 MB)
- Destination Park Concept (486 kb)
- Ecological Park Concept (567 kb)
- Passive Recreation Park Concept (498 kb)
Written comments from the public are welcomed and will be accepted until the close of business on: Thursday, September 1, 2016.
There will be a Public Scoping Meeting for this project at:
DATE: Wednesday, August 24, 2016
TIME: 7:00 pm (doors open at 6:30 pm)
PLACE: Waterford Town Hall Auditorium, 15 Rope Ferry Road, Waterford, CT
Written comments should be sent to:
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Name:
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David A. Kalafa, Policy Development Coordinator |
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Agency:
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Department of Energy and Environmental Protection |
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Address:
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79 Elm Street |
| Hartford, Connecticut 06106 | |
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Fax:
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860-424-4070 |
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E-Mail:
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DEEP.seasideEIE@ct.gov |
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Name:
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Jeff Bolton |
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Agency:
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Department of Administrative Services - Division of Construction Services |
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Address:
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165 Capitol Ave, Room 483, Hartford, CT 06106 |
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Phone:
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860-713-5706 |
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Fax:
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860-713-7251
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E-Mail:
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1. Post-Scoping Notice for Reconstruction of Old Farms Road
Municipality where project will be located: Avon, Connecticut
CEPA Determination: The Town's primary objective of the relocation of Old Farms Road was to provide an alignment south of the current location which will effect transportation improvements, and also serve economic development considerations consistent with the Town of Avon's approved Plan of Conservation and Development. On November 22, 2011 the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) published a Notice of Scoping to solicit public comments for this project in the Environmental Monitor. Comments were received from the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, the Department of Public Health, and the Office of Policy and Management. These comments were forwarded to the Town of Avon at that time. These comments were taken into consideration, and discussions with the Town of Avon and the Federal Highway Administration have taken place to improve on the project scope since the conclusion of the scoping process.
Currently, however, there is no future State or Federal funding programmed for the design and/or construction phases of this proposal, and CTDOT is no longer involved in this project. Since this is not a State project, no further documentation under CEPA is required. Any future transportation improvements located in this area involving CTDOT action and/or funding will require an updated environmental analysis and potential scoping at that time. CTDOT's conclusion, as stated above, can be found in the Memo of Findings and Determination.
If you have questions about the project, you can contact the agency at:
|
Name: |
Mr. Mark W. Alexander, Transportation Assistant Planning Director |
|
Connecticut Department of Transportation
Bureau of Policy and Planning
|
|
|
Address: |
2800 Berlin Turnpike
Newington, CT 06131
|
|
Phone: |
860-594-2931 |
|
E-Mail: |
dot.environmentalplanning@ct.gov |
After Scoping, an agency that wishes to undertake an action that could significantly affect the environment must produce, for public review and comment, a detailed written evaluation of the expected environmental impacts. This is called an Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE).
1. Notice of EIE for Southbury Affordable-Elderly Housing Development
Municipality where project is proposed: Southbury
Address of Possible Project Location: 1230 South Britain Road (Southbury Training School [STS] land)
Project Description: The proposed action includes the disposition of the 45-acre state-owned parcel at STS to the Town of Southbury and the proposed development of senior housing, either at the STS parcel or elsewhere within the Town of Southbury. The Town intends to lease the parcel to Pierce Hollow Village, Inc (PHV), a non-profit organization, for the development of senior housing. The use of state funds has not directly caused the need for the EIE. Instead, the EIE has been triggered by the land transfer per SA 13-23.
Project Maps: General Location. Parcel Figure.
Comments on this EIE will be accepted until the close of business on: August 19, 2016
The public can view a copy of this EIE at: the Southbury Town Clerk's Office (501 Main Street, Southbury, CT); Southbury Public Library - Central (100 Poverty Rd., Southbury, CT). The EIE is available online by clicking here. (7.3 MB)
Send your comments about this EIE to:
| Name: | Jeff Bolton |
| Agency: | DAS - Division of Construction Services |
| Address: | 165 Capitol Ave, Room 483, Hartford, CT 06106 |
| E-Mail: | jeffrey.bolton@ct.gov |
No public hearing is scheduled for this EIE. A public hearing request must be made by twenty-five persons or an association having not less than twenty-five persons. Such requests must be made by the close of business on and no later than July 15, 2016.
If you have questions about requesting a public hearing, or where you can review this EIE, or similar matters, please contact:
| Name: | Jeff Bolton |
| Agency: | DAS - Division of Construction Services |
| Address: | 165 Capitol Ave, Room 483, Hartford, CT 06106 |
| E-Mail: | jeffrey.bolton@ct.gov |
| Phone: | 860-713-5706 |
Connecticut General Statutes Section 4b-47 requires public notice of most proposed sales and transfers of state-owned lands. The public has an opportunity to comment on any such proposed transfer. Each notice includes an address where comments should be sent. Read more about the process.
No State Land Transfer Notice has been submitted for publication in this edition.
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