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August 8, 2023

Scoping Notice

  1. NEW! Notice of Scoping for 80 South Road, Farmington.
  2. NEW! Notice of Scoping for The Camelot Flats and Lofts, West Hartford.
  3. NEW! Notice of Scoping for Wall Street Place, Norwalk.
  4. NEW! Notice of Scoping for New School of Nursing Building at the University of Connecticut, Mansfield.
  5. NEW! Notice of Scoping for MLK Apartments, Hartford.
  6. NEW! Notice of Scoping for Business Park North, Norwich.

Scoping Notice - Post-Scoping Notice (Need More Time)

  1. Notice of Time Extension for Port-Scoping Notice for Safety Improvements on Route 82 (Phase 1), Norwich.
  2. NEW! Notice of Time Extension for Post-Scoping Notice for Properties at 18-20 and 30 Trinity Street in Hartford.
  3. NEW! Notice of Time Extension for Post-Scoping Notice for Durham Center Water System Main Extension, Durham and Middletown.

Post-Scoping Notice

  1. NEW! Post-Scoping Notice for River Mill Redevelopment Project, Thompson.
  2. NEW! Post-Scoping Notice for Formed Ames Corporate Headquarters Redevelopment Project, Rocky Hill.
  3. NEW! Post-Scoping Notice for Webster Block Project, Norwalk.

Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE)

  1. Notice of an Environmental Impact Evaluation for Route 7 / Route 15 Interchange, Norwalk.

Agency Record of Decision

     No Record of Decision Notice has been submitted for publication in this edition.

OPM Determination of Adequacy

     No Determination of Adequacy Notice has been submitted for publication in this edition.

State Land Transfer

     No State Land Transfer Notice has been submitted for publication in this edition.

 

The next edition of the Environmental Monitor will be published on August 22, 2023.

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Notices in the Environmental Monitor are written and formatted by the sponsoring agencies and are published unedited. Questions about the content of any notice should be directed to the sponsoring agency.

Inquiries and requests to view or copy documents, pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, must be submitted to the sponsoring state agency.



Scoping Notice

"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. Read More


The following Scoping Notices have been submitted for publication in this edition.

1. Notice of Scoping for 80 South Road

Address of possible location80 South Road, Farmington, CT 

Municipality where proposed action might be located: Farmington

Project Description: 80 South Road is a proposed 65-unit affordable multifamily development located on South Road in Farmington, CT. 15 of these 65 units will qualify as supportive housing units, set aside for adults with developmental disabilities. The site of the proposed development is 2.92 acres and was assembled from three former parcels - 62 South Road (0.48 acres), 8864 South Road (1.04 acres), and 8880 South Road (1.408 acres). 62 South Road was previously occupied by a single-family home constructed in 1965 that was demolished in the late winter of 2022. Both 8864 and 8880 South Road were formerly vacant land. There are, however, wetlands located on the 8864 and 8880 South Road parcels. A watercourse located on the western portion of 8880 South Road drains north to south through the study area. A forested wetland was delineated on the eastern portion of 8864 South Road that drains into the watercourse via a rill. The site was studied for vernal pool habitats, of which there were none. The proposed development will be comprised of (2) buildings. The first, Building A, will feature (36) units, community recreation space (both interior and exterior), an office for our social service provider and will be serviced by an elevator. The second, Building B, will feature (29) units and a leasing office. Across the development there will be a total of (6) studio apartments, (20) one-bedroom apartments, and (39) two-bedroom apartments. (15) of these apartments will be designated for use by our supportive population. Building A will occupy a building footprint of approximately 11,360 sf including 3,600 sf of outdoor amenity space and Building B will occupy a building footprint of approximately 10,400 sf. In addition to utilizing biofiltration and bioretention systems, the buildings landscape plan features all native plant species and minimizes use of turf grass to reduce outdoor water usage. Porous pavement has also been utilized in both parking areas and the buildings proposed amenity space.

Project Map:Click here to view a map of the project area.

Written comments from the public are welcomed and will be accepted until the close of business on: 8 September 2023.

Any person may ask the sponsoring agency to hold a public scoping meeting by sending such a request to the address below. If a public scoping 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: 18 August 2023.

Written comments and/or requests for a public scoping meeting should be sent to:

Name: Mithila Chakraborty

Agency: Department of Housing

Address: 505 Hudson Street, Hartford, CT  06106-7106

E-Mail: mithila.chakraborty@ct.gov

Inquiries and requests to view and or copy documents, pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, must be submitted to the sponsoring state agency:

Name: Mithila Chakraborty

Agency: Department of Housing

Address: 505 Hudson Street, Hartford, CT  06106-7106

E-Mail: mithila.chakraborty@ct.gov

What Happens Next: The sponsoring agency will make a determination whether to proceed with preparation of an Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) or that the project does not require the preparation of an EIE under the Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (CEPA). A Post-Scoping Notice of its decision will appear in a future edition of the Environmental Monitor.


2. Notice of Scoping for The Camelot Flats and Lofts

Address of possible location: 900 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford, Connecticut

Municipality where proposed action might be located: West Hartford

Project Description: The site consists of a 0.67-acre parcel of land with an approximately 8,000 square foot shuttered restaurant, an operating 22,000 square foot hotel, and two levels of structured parking, which will be turned into mixed income affordable housing of total 44 units (20 new construction units and 24 rehabilitation units). It is located on the northern side of Farmington Avenue, 135 feet east of the intersection of Farmington Avenue and Trout Brook Drive in a general business district of West Hartford, Connecticut. The on-site buildings, paved driveway, and landscaping cover the entire site. The restaurant building is currently vacant, and the West Hartford Inn occupies the hotel building. The site is connected to public water, sewer, and electric, and is heated with natural gas. The site has soil issues as well as lead, and asbestos in the existing buildings. The project will include the demolition of the restaurant, adaptive reuse of the hotel building, new construction, soil remediation and abatement of hazardous materials. 

Project MapClick here to view a map of the project area.

Written comments from the public are welcomed and will be accepted until the close of business on: September 2023

Any person may ask the sponsoring agency to hold a public scoping meeting by sending such a request to the address below. If a public scoping 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: 18 August 2023

Written comments and/or requests for a public scoping meeting should be sent to

Name: Mithila Chakraborty

Agency: Department of Housing

Address: 505 Hudson Street, Hartford, CT  06106-7106

E-Mail: mithila.chakraborty@ct.gov 

Inquiries and requests to view and or copy documents, pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, must be submitted to the sponsoring state agency:

Name: Mithila Chakraborty

Agency: Department of Housing

Address: 505 Hudson Street, Hartford, CT  06106-7106

E-Mail: mithila.chakraborty@ct.gov 

What Happens Next: The sponsoring agency will make a determination whether to proceed with preparation of an Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) or that the project does not require the preparation of an EIE under the Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (CEPA). A Post-Scoping Notice of its decision will appear in a future edition of the Environmental Monitor.


3. Notice of Scoping for Wall Street Place

Addresses of possible location61 Wall Street & 17 Isaacs Street, Norwalk, CT 06850

Municipality where proposed action might be located: Norwalk

Project Description: Wall Street Place, to be developed by JHM Group of Companies with support from the City of Norwalk, will restart a stalled development from 2015. The mixed-use project, which covers 2.08 total acres and two separate buildings, will include 151 new, mixed-income dwelling units and ground floor retail in the heart of the Wall Street neighborhood which once stood as a prominent downtown, central business district for Norwalk. 61 Wall Street was partial built before construction halted in 2015. This site will ultimately contain 101 rental units, 10,000+ square feet of retail and community space, and 40 surface-level parking spaces.
17 Isaacs Street was the site of a former movie theater that has since been demolished. 17 Isaacs will contain 50 rental units and 157 structured, parking spaces. All environmental concerns for both properties were addressed prior to each property being demolished. 61 Wall Street was demolished in the early-mid 2010's prior to the construction of the basement and podium. 17 Isaacs Street's was abated in late 2022 prior to demolition. The project site is not in any storm surge inundation zones, floodzones and aquifer protection area. There is no critical habitat in the project area. 17 Isaacs Street received a January 2023 letter from the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) evidencing that the proposed development of the subject property will have no adverse effect to historic resources. Alternatively, SHPO determined that the proposed redevelopment at Norwalk's 61-63 Wall Street poses an adverse effect for which mitigation measures have been recommended.

Project Map:Click here to view a map of the project area.

Written comments from the public are welcomed and will be accepted until the close of business on: September 8, 2023

Any person may ask the sponsoring agency to hold a public scoping meeting by sending such a request to the address below. If a public scoping 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: August 18, 2023

Written comments and/or requests for a public scoping meeting should be sent to:

Name: Mithila Chakraborty

Agency: Department of Housing

Address: 505 Hudson Street, Hartford, CT  06106-7106

E-Mail: mithila.chakraborty@ct.gov

Inquiries and requests to view and or copy documents, pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, must be submitted to the sponsoring state agency:

Name: Mithila Chakraborty

Agency: Department of Housing

Address: 505 Hudson Street, Hartford, CT  06106-7106

E-Mail: mithila.chakraborty@ct.gov

What Happens Next: The sponsoring agency will make a determination whether to proceed with preparation of an Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) or that the project does not require the preparation of an EIE under the Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (CEPA). A Post-Scoping Notice of its decision will appear in a future edition of the Environmental Monitor.


4. Notice of Scoping for New School of Nursing Building at the University of Connecticut

Address of possible location: Alethia Drive

Municipality where proposed action might be located: Mansfield

Project Description:  The University of Connecticut (UConn) is planning to construct a new School of Nursing building on Alethia Drive within its South Campus in Storrs. Currently the School of Nursing entirely resides in Storrs Hall on the north side of campus. The new School of Nursing building would be strategically located between existing clinical, academic, and research space, and align with the long-term development plan outlined in the 2015-2035 Campus Master Plan.

The Proposed Action to be assessed under the Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (CEPA) would construct up to a 4-story building approximately 70,000-80,000 gross square feet (gsf) in size. The building program would include:

  • Instructional spaces, including a lecture hall and classrooms
  • A Simulation Lab Suite
  • A Human Behavioral Research Lab
  • A Wet Lab
  • A Student Academic Center
  • Offices and support spaces

Accessible parking and service and loading zones would also be provided on-site, as well as usable open space around the building.

The purpose of this project is to accommodate increased enrollment for the School of Nursing that in turn will help address the shortage of nurses, the changing nature of healthcare, and the increasing disparity in health outcomes regionally and nationally. Storrs Hall cannot fulfill that purpose or adequately satisfy future requirements in terms of size and spatial configuration. The new School of Nursing building would support new teaching modes by educating nurses through patient-centered practice, interdisciplinary research, and technology-based innovations. 

Project MapClick here to view a map of the project area.

Written comments from the public are welcomed and will be accepted until 5:00 PM EST on: Friday, September 8, 2023

There will be a public scoping meeting for this proposed action:

DATEWednesday, August 30, 2023

TIME6:00 PM EST 

PLACE: Online

NOTES: Participants MUST REGISTER IN ADVANCE through the following link:

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_CGqGZiYORruXFnnD9488iA

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting (including an option to join by phone). 

Additional information regarding the project, as well as a link to a recording of the meeting and meeting materials, will be posted at: https://updc.uconn.edu/nursing. 

Written comments and/or questions regarding the public scoping meeting and/or the scoping for this project should be sent to:

Name: Antoaneta Fedeles, AIA, PMP, LEED AP

Agency: University Planning, Design and Construction

Address: 3 Discovery Drive, U-6038, Storrs, CT 06269-6038

E-Mail: antoaneta.fedeles@uconn.edu 


Inquiries and requests to view and or copy documents, pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, must be submitted to 
https://publicrecords.uconn.edu/make-a-request/


What Happens Next:
 UConn will make a determination whether to proceed with preparation of an Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) or that the project does not require the preparation of an EIE under the Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (CEPA). A Post-Scoping Notice of its decision will appear in a future edition of the Environmental Monitor.


5. Notice of Scoping for MLK Apartments Hartford

Address of possible location: 79-107 Van Block Avenue, Hartford, CT

Municipality where proposed action might be located: Hartford

Project Description: The low-income residential apartment buildings located at 79-107 Van Block Avenue are proposed for demolition and redevelopment. The planned activities include the demolition of the existing residential apartment buildings (eight residential apartment buildings consisting of eight apartment units; each consisting of six 3-bedroom units and two 2-bedroom units built circa 1966 and a community building built 2004). The redevelopment of the site will consist of low-income housing to include fifteen buildings and 161 residential apartment units (70 1-bedroom units, 72 2-bedroom units, and 19 3-bedroom units). The redevelopment will not increase the project sites footprint or impact any adjacent properties. MLK Apartments is a 64-unit apartment community located on Van Block Avenue in Hartford’s Sheldon/Charter Oak neighborhood. The complex was built in 1970 as affordable housing for families displaced by urban renewal. To attract residents of a mix of incomes, while ensuring no displacement of current residents, the proposed unit mix consists of both market rate and affordable flats and townhouses. The newly transformed community will include 70 one-bedroom units, 63 two-bedroom units, and 22 three-bedroom units. Sheldon/Charter Oak, Hartford's oldest neighborhood, has recently seen investment through the re-purposing of historic buildings, including Colt Gateway and Capewell Lofts. The neighborhood has riverfront access, a soccer stadium, and a newly designated National Historical Park encompassing the Colt Factory and Samuel and Elizabeth Colt's mansion. The building heights and exteriors of the re-envisioned MLK Apartments will reflect the scale and design palate of the surrounding historic neighborhood. The property is within walking distance of Hartford's downtown, and also benefits from multiple bus stops in the immediate vicinity. The MLK apartments in Hartford are not in any storm surge zone, floodzones. The location does not have any critical habitat. State Historic Preservation Office found no adverse impact with this project and Tribal consultation was done also. 

Project MapClick here to view a map of the project area.

Written comments from the public are welcomed and will be accepted until the close of business on: September 8, 2023

Any person may ask the sponsoring agency to hold a public scoping meeting by sending such a request to the address below. If a public scoping 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: August 18, 2023

Written comments and/or requests for a public scoping meeting should be sent to

Name: Mithila Chakraborty

Agency: Department of Housing

Address: 505 Hudson Street, Hartford, CT  06106-7106

E-Mail: mithila.chakraborty@ct.gov

Inquiries and requests to view and or copy documents, pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, must be submitted to the sponsoring state agency:

Name: Mithila Chakraborty

Agency: Department of Housing

Address:  505 Hudson Street, Hartford, CT  06106-7106

E-Mail: mithila.chakraborty@ct.gov

What Happens Next: The sponsoring agency will make a determination whether to proceed with preparation of an Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) or that the project does not require the preparation of an EIE under the Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (CEPA). A Post-Scoping Notice of its decision will appear in a future edition of the Environmental Monitor.


6. Notice of Scoping for Business Park North

Addresses of possible location: 83, 97, 105, 111 Taftville-Occum Road; Taftville-Occum Road (Map 19, Block 45, Lot 45); 431, 432, 439, 461 Canterbury Turnpike; 431 Rear Canterbury Turnpike; 180, 207, 253 Lawler Lane; 18 School Avenue; 527 Scotland Road (off) Lawler Lane Rear; Bromley Lane

Municipality where proposed action might be located: Norwich

Project Description: The Business Park North Roadway Project (the “Project”) involves the construction of a new 7,532± linear foot (LF) roadway within a proposed 60-foot-wide right-of-way (ROW) that will connect Taftville-Occum Road (Route 97) to Lawler Lane in the City of Norwich. The roadway, which will include a 10-foot-wide multi-use trail along its entire length, is proposed to service a planned 184-acre industrial park (Business Park North) in an area where significant undeveloped acreage currently exists, attracting manufacturing, assembling, transportation, logistics, work-force development, fire/safety facilities and flex-space opportunities. 

The typical roadway section consists of two 11-foot travel lanes, two 4-foot paved shoulders, two 3-foot gravel strips, and a 10-foot wide, permeable paved multi-use trail. Grass swales will also be constructed outboard of the paved roadway and trail surfaces. The new roadway will involve modification of the existing I-395 southbound on-and-off ramps and includes a round-about to allow for safe and efficient access to Route 97 and the new Business Park North Roadway from I-395 as shown on the site plan included with this scoping notice. The new roadway will also include round-abouts at Canterbury Turnpike and Lawler Lane. Construction of the roadway would entail four (4) box culvert crossings of existing wetlands/drainageways as well as a bridge that would span Byron Brook and associated riparian wetlands. The roadway is anticipated to be constructed in phases that will progress depending upon user demand within Business Park North. 

Project MapClick here to view a map of the project area.

Written comments from the public are welcomed and will be accepted until the close of business on: September 7, 2023.

Any person may ask the sponsoring agency to hold a public scoping meeting by sending such a request to the address below. If a public scoping 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: August 17, 2023.

Written comments and/or requests for a public scoping meeting should be sent to:

Name: Melinda Wilson, Assistant Director, Community Investment Fund 2030

Agency: Department of Economic and Community Development

Address: 450 Columbus Blvd, Suite 5, Hartford CT 06103

E-Mail: Melinda.Wilson@ct.gov 

Inquiries and requests to view and or copy documents, pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, must be submitted to the sponsoring state agency:

Name: Melinda Wilson, Assistant Director, Community Investment Fund 2030

Agency: Department of Economic and Community Development

Address: 450 Columbus Blvd, Suite 5, Hartford CT 06103

E-Mail: Melinda.Wilson@ct.gov


What Happens Next:
 The sponsoring agency will make a determination whether to proceed with preparation of an Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) or that the project does not require the preparation of an EIE under the Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (CEPA). A Post-Scoping Notice of its decision will appear in a future edition of the Environmental Monitor.


 
Scoping Notice - Post-Scoping Notice (Need More Time)

If an agency is unable to publish a Post-Scoping Notice within six months after the comment period for scoping, the agency will publish an update with an action status and an estimate as to when a Post-Scoping Notice will be published. Such an update will be published by the agency at six-month intervals until the Post-Scoping Notice is published. Read More


The following Notices for additional time have been submitted for publication in this edition.


1. Notice of Time Extension for Post-Scoping Notice for Safety Improvements on Route 82 (Phase 1)

Address of Possible Project Location: Route 82 (West Main Street) and runs, approximately, from Banas Court (mile point 27.23) to Fairmount Street (mile point 28.13).

Municipality where proposed action would be located: Norwich

Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (CEPA) Determination: On June 7, 2022, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) published a Notice of Scoping to solicit public comments for this action in the Environmental Monitor. A public scoping meeting took place on June 23, 2022. On January 3, 2023, CTDOT published a notice of time extension since further analysis was needed to make a final CEPA determination. The CTDOT is unable to publish its determination regarding this action at this time.

Action Status: CTDOT is awaiting additional information and performing additional analyses. An additional public informational meeting is anticipated in 2023. 

Estimated Publication Date: The CTDOT estimates that a Post-Scoping Notice will be published in the Environmental Monitor on or before January 2, 2024.

If you have questions about the proposed action, contact:

Name: Mr. Scott Bushee, Transportation Principal Engineer

Agency: Connecticut Department of Transportation, Bureau of Engineering and Construction

Address: 2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT 06131

Phone: 860-594-2079

E-Mail: Scott.Bushee@ct.gov

What Happens Next: The CTDOT will make a determination whether to proceed with preparation of an Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) or that the project does not require the preparation of an EIE under the CEPA. A Post-Scoping Notice of its decision will appear in a future edition of the Environmental Monitor.


 2. Notice of Time Extension for Post-Scoping Notice for Properties at 18-20 and 30 Trinity Street in Hartford

 

Addresses of Possible Project Location: 18-20 Trinity Street, and 30 Trinity Street

Municipality where proposed action would be located: Hartford

Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (CEPA) Determination:  On July 19, 2022, the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) published a Notice of Scoping to solicit public comments for this action in the Environmental Monitor. On February 21, 2023 CTDAS published a notice of time extension indicating that further analysis was needed prior to making a final CEPA determination. Additional time is needed to complete that analysis and therefore CTDAS is unable to publish its determination at this time.

Action Status: DAS is working with the proposed developer to conduct additional analysis and address comments raised during scoping. 

Estimated Publication Date: The DAS estimates that a Post-Scoping Notice will be published in the Environmental Monitor on or before February 2024.

If you have questions about the proposed action, contact:

Name: Matthew Pafford

Agency: Department of Administrative Services (DAS)

Address: 450 Columbus Boulevard, Hartford, CT

E-Mail: matthew.pafford@ct.gov 

What Happens Next: The DAS will make a determination whether to proceed with preparation of an Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) or that the project does not require the preparation of an EIE under the CEPA. A Post-Scoping Notice of its decision will appear in a future edition of the Environmental Monitor.


3.Notice of Time Extension for Post-Scoping Notice for Durham Center Water System Main Extension

Address of Possible Project Location: Areas to the East of Route 17 in the Southwestern corner of Middletown continuing South, to the East and West of Route 17, in the town of Durham. 

Municipalities where proposed action would be located: Durham and Middletown

Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (CEPA) Determination: On January 17, 2023, the Connecticut Department of Public Health (CTDPH) published a Notice of Scoping to solicit public comments for this action in the Environmental Monitor. On February 15, 2023, CTDPH received comments from the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CTDEEP). No other public comments were received during the public comment period, which closed on February 17, 2023. The CTDPH is unable to publish its determination regarding this action at this time.

Action Status: CTDPH is awaiting additional information from the Applicant regarding comments submitted to CTDPH by CTDEEP regarding the proposed action.

Estimated Publication Date: The CTDPH anticipates that a Post-Scoping Notice will be published in the Environmental Monitor on or before January 2, 2024.

If you have questions about the proposed action, contact:

Name: Eric McPhee

Agency: Department of Public Health, Drinking Water Section

Address: 410 Capitol Avenue, MS #12DWS, PO Box 340308, Hartford, CT 06134-0308

Phone: 860-509-7333

E-Mail: dph.sourceprotection@ct.gov 

What Happens Next: The CTDPH will make a determination whether to proceed with preparation of an Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) or that the project does not require the preparation of an EIE under the Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (CEPA). A Post-Scoping Notice of its decision will appear in a future edition of the Environmental Monitor.


Post-Scoping Notice

A Post-Scoping Notice is the determination by a sponsoring agency, after publication of a Scoping Notice and consideration of comments received, whether an Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) needs to be prepared for a proposed State action. Read More


The following Post-Scoping Notices have been submitted for publication in this edition.

1. Post-Scoping Notice for River Mill Redevelopment Project

Address of Possible Project Location: 929 Riverside Drive, Thompson CT 06255

Municipality where it would be located: Thompson

Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (CEPA) Determination: On November 8th, 2022 the Department of Economic and Community Development published a Notice of Scoping to solicit public comments for this proposed River Mill Redevelopment Project in the Environmental MonitorNo CEPA scoping meeting was scheduled, and there were no requests to hold a CEPA scoping meeting.

Comments were submitted by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CTDEEP)during the public comment period.  DECD’s responses to the comments received are included in the Environmental Review Checklist.

 

After consideration of the comments received, the DECD has determined that the project does not require the preparation of an Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) under the CEPAThe agency’s conclusion is documented in a Memo of Findings and Determination and an Environmental Review Checklist 

 

Agency contact:

Name: Shawntay Nelson
Agency: 
Department of Economic and Community Development
Address:
 450 Columbus Boulevard, Suite 5, Hartford, CT 06103
E-Mail:
 Shawntay.Nelson@ct.gov

Inquiries and requests to view and or copy documents, pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, must be submitted to the sponsoring State agency:

Name: Mark Burno
Agency: 
Department of Economic and Community Development
Address:
 450 Columbus Boulevard, Suite 5, Hartford, CT 06103
E-Mail:
 Mark.burno@ct.gov

What Happens Next:

The DECD expects the project to go forward. This is expected to be the final notice of the project to be published in the Environmental Monitor.

2. Post-Scoping Notice for Former Ames Corporate Headquarters Redevelopment Project

Addresses of possible location: 2418 Main Street and One Dividend Road

Municipality where it would be located: Rocky Hill

Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (CEPA) Determination: On January 17, 2023, the Department of Economic and Community Development published a Notice of Scoping to solicit public comments for this proposed Former Ames Corporation Headquarters Redevelopment Project in the Environmental Monitor.

No comments from the public were received during the public comment period.  Comments were received from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and can be accessed here.  DECD’s responses to the comments from CT DEEP are included in the Environmental Review Checklist here.

After consideration of the comments received, DECD has determined that the project does not require the preparation of an Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) under the CEPA. The agency’s conclusion is documented in a Memo of Findings and Determination and an Environmental Review Checklist.

 

Agency contact:

Name: Jennifer Schneider
Agency: 
Department of Economic and Community Development
Address:
 450 Columbus Boulevard, Suite 5, Hartford, CT 06103
E-Mail:
 Jennifer.Schneider@ct.gov

Inquiries and requests to view and or copy documents, pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, must be submitted to the sponsoring State agency:

Name: Mark Burno
Agency: 
Department of Economic and Community Development
Address:
 450 Columbus Boulevard, Suite 5, Hartford, CT 06103
E-Mail:
 mark.burno@ct.gov

What Happens Next: DECD expects the project to go forward.  This is expected to be the final notice of the project to be published in the Environmental Monitor.


3. Post-Scoping Notice for Webster Block

Project Address of Possible Project Location: 55 Martin Luther King Drive

Municipality where it would be located: Norwalk

Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (CEPA) Determination: On June 6, 2023, the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) published a Notice of Scoping to solicit public comments for this proposed Webster Block Project in the Environmental Monitor.

Comments were received from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CTDEEP) during the public comment period and can be viewed here.  DECD’s responses to the comments from CTDEEP are included in the Environmental Review Checklist here.

After consideration of the comments received, DECD has determined the project does not require the preparation of an Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) under the CEPA.  The agency’s conclusion is documented in a Memo of Findings Determination here and an Environmental Review Checklist here.

 

Agency contact:

Name: William Wallach
Agency: 
Department of Economic and Community Development
Address:
 450 Columbus Boulevard, Suite 5, Hartford, CT 06103
E-Mail:
 William.wallach@ct.gov

 

Inquiries and requests to view and or copy documents, pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, must be submitted to the sponsoring State agency:

Name: Mark Burno
Agency: 
Department of Economic and Community Development
Address:
 450 Columbus Boulevard, Suite 5, Hartford, CT 06103
E-Mail:
 mark.burno@ct.gov

What Happens Next: DECD expects the project to go forward.  This is expected to be the final notice of the project to be published in the Environmental Monitor.


EIE Notice

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)Read More


The following EIE Notice has been submitted for publication in this edition.


1. Notice of an Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) for Route 7 / Route 15 Interchange 

Address of Possible Project Location: The proposed project is located in the northern portion of Norwalk at the interchange of Routes 7 and 15 (Interchange 39) and includes the interchange of Route 15 and Main Avenue (Interchange 40); Route 719 (Main Avenue); and Glover Avenue/Creeping Hemlock Drive in the vicinity of Main Avenue. The proposed limits of construction extend along Route 15 from approximately 0.5 miles west of Route 7 to approximately 0.5 miles east of Main Avenue and along Route 7 from approximately 0.5 miles south to approximately 0.5 miles north of Route 15. 

Municipality where proposed action is to be located: Norwalk

Project Description: The proposed project will address the missing connections on the existing Route 15 and Route 7 interchange and would consequently improve the mobility for motorists at the following locations:

  • Southbound Route 15 to northbound Route 7
  • Southbound Route 15 to southbound Route 7
  • Northbound Route 7 to northbound Route 15
  • Southbound Route 7 to northbound Route 15

Additionally, improvements to the Route 15 and Main Avenue ramps will address the substandard acceleration lanes, steep changes in grade, sharp curves, and limited sight distance. These factors contribute to a high number of crashes on the Merritt Parkway. 

Project Map: Click here to view a map of the project area.

Scoping Notice and Post Scoping Notice: The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) published a Scoping Notice on October 3, 2017and a Post-Scoping Notice on June 16, 2020for the proposed project in the Environmental Monitor.

Comments on this EIE will be accepted until the close of business onAugust 31, 2023

The public can view a copy of this EIE on the project website at www.7-15norwalk.com or on CTDOT's Environmental Document's page by clicking here. The document is also available in hardcopy at the following locations:

  • CTDOT, 2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT 06131
  • FHWA CT Division Office, 450 Main Street, Suite 612, Hartford, CT 06103
  • CT State Library 231 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT 06106
  • Norwalk City Hall (City Clerk Office), 125 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06851
  • Norwalk Public Library (Main Branch), 1 Belden Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06850
  • Norwalk Public Library (South Norwalk Branch), 10 Washington Street, Norwalk, CT 06854
  • Western CT Council of Governments, 1 Riverside Road, Sandy Hook, CT 06482

Other information: Since the project involves Federal funding through FHWA, the project must also comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Therefore, the document is a joint NEPA/CEPA Environmental Assessment (EA)/ EIE. Additional project information is available on the project website: www.7-15norwalk.com

There is a public hearing scheduled for this EIE on: 

DATE: August 16, 2023

TIME: Open House at 6:00 p.m. Hearing to begin at 7:00 p.m.

PLACE: Norwalk City Hall, Community Room, 125 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06851

NOTES: The hearing location is ADA accessible. Persons needing ADA accommodations or language assistance, including American Sign Language, may contact CTDOT's Language Assistance Call Line at (860) 594-2109. Requests should be made at least 5 business days prior to the hearing. ADA accommodations and/or language assistance is provided at no cost to the public and efforts will be made to respond to timely requests for assistance. Persons with hearing and/or speech disabilities may dial 711 for Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS).  

Send your written questions or comments (E-Mail preferred) about this EIE to:

Name: Mr. Kevin F. Carifa, Transportation Planning Director

Agency: CT Department of Transportation, Bureau of Policy and Planning

Address: 2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT 06131

E-Mail: comments@7-15norwalk.com 

 

What happens next: The CTDOT will review the comments received and may conduct further environmental study and analysis or amend the evaluation. The CTDOT will prepare responses to the substantive issues raised in review of and comment on the EIE and any supplemental materials or amendments. Those responses and all supplemental materials and comments shall be made available in a "Record of Decision" which will appear in the Environmental Monitor for public inspection.

 


Agency Record of Decision

After an Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) is developed, an agency will prepare a concise public record of decision, which takes into consideration the agency’s findings in the EIE, and any comments received on that evaluation. Read More 


No Record of Decision Notice has been submitted for publication in this edition.


OPM's Determination of Adequacy

After an Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) and record of decision are developed, the Office of Policy and Management (OPM) will determine if the EIE and the associated process are adequate. If not, OPM will specify the areas of inadequacy with reference to CEPA or the CEPA regulations and specify the corrective action required. Read More 


No Determination of Adequacy Notice has been submitted for publication in this edition.


State Land Transfer Notice

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.


CEPA Project Inventory

The Office of Policy and Management (OPM) maintains a list of projects that have entered the CEPA process. It shows each project's status. The inventory can be found here.


CEQ Contact Information

All inquiries and requests of the Council should be sent electronically to: ceq@ct.gov.


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