November 19, 2013
- Reconstruction of Atlantic Street and MNRR Bridge Replacement, Stamford
- NEW! Lake Compounce Campground Expansion, Southington
- NEW! Southbury Affordable-Elderly Housing Development, Southbury
- NEW! Francis J. Clarke Industrial Park Expansion, Bethel
- NEW! UConn Main Accumulation Area for Regulated Waste, Mansfield
- Former Cedarcrest Hospital, Newington - Recommendation of the Commissioner of Energy & Environmental Protection.
"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. Notice of Scoping for the Reconstruction of Atlantic Street, and Metro North Railroad (MNRR) Bridge Replacement
Municipality where proposed project might be located: Stamford, CT
Address of Possible Project Location: Atlantic Street, Stamford, CT
Project Description: Atlantic Street is currently an undivided road with one lane of traffic in each direction under the MNRR Bridge. Sidewalks approximately 8 feet wide are provided on both sides of the road and are separated from the roadway by the bridge piers. Atlantic Street widens just north of its intersection with South State Street and the I-95 Northbound Exit 8 ramp to five total lanes, three southbound and two northbound. With the recent construction of the Stamford Urban Transitway (SUT), Atlantic Street widens just south of the MNRR Bridge to six total lanes, four southbound and two northbound.
The Atlantic Street underpass, located approximately 900 feet east of the Stamford Transportation Center, was originally constructed in 1896 and consists of riveted steel thru-girders supported by brownstone masonry abutments and steel pier bents. The bridge presently carries five MNRR tracks over Atlantic Street. The bridge serves as a gateway between the Stamford Central Business District (CBD) and areas south of the rail corridor. The underpass is adjacent to Station Place, which is the main access to the station and the location of the main parking garage. Atlantic Street therefore provides significant access between I-95, the station, the CBD and to south Stamford. This structure is classified as functionally obsolete due to the narrow underpass width as well as the existing minimum vertical clearance of 12’-4” which restricts the use of Atlantic Street by larger vehicles, including those operated by emergency service providers. As is typical for structures of its age, the bridge’s structural components have deteriorated and require regular maintenance to ensure its operational sufficiency.
The purpose of this project is to improve the horizontal and vertical geometry for Atlantic Street at the bridge, to increase the roadway capacity by providing additional travel lanes on Atlantic Street, and to improve pedestrian circulation in the vicinity of the Transportation Center to the extent possible. It was also determined that the project should include provisions for an additional track for the railroad, as well as a platform to service this track. The resulting layout accommodates these needs.
The new bridge will consist of concrete-encased steel girders supported by new concrete abutments with a new center pier. The proposed increases in overall span length and cross-sectional width of the new structure will require the reconstruction of the existing railroad retaining walls along South State Street. Concrete form liners or other means will be used to recreate the aesthetic elements of the existing structures. At the request of the City of Stamford, the brownstone which comprises the existing bridge abutments and portions of the retaining walls will be salvaged and turned over to the City for reuse.
The proposed roadway cross-section of Atlantic Street under MNRR as coordinated between the Department and the City of Stamford will consist of three 11-foot lanes in each direction with 2-foot outside shoulders. A right-turn only lane will be provided in the northbound direction onto South State Street. An approximately 6-foot wide median will be provided to accommodate the bridge pier which will divide each direction of traffic on Atlantic Street. An 8-foot wide sidewalk will be provided on both sides of Atlantic Street.
The proposed vertical alignment on Atlantic Street will accommodate the required depth of the bridge structure and provide a 14.5’ minimum vertical clearance, which meets functional standards. This alignment will require the lowering of Atlantic Street by approximately 3.7 feet at the maximum. The limits of the proposed roadway reconstruction and lowering are between North State Street and Dock Street/SUT. Extensive utility relocations and modifications are required in order to accommodate the revised bridge structure and the changed profile of Atlantic Street.
The lowering of Atlantic Street will also impact the intersections of Atlantic Street and the I-95 NB Exit 8 ramp, and Atlantic Street and Manhattan Street.
Because the existing Exit 8 ramp is already quite steep, it cannot remain in its current configuration with the proposed lowering of Atlantic Street. As a result, it is proposed to construct a new bridge to carry the ramp over Atlantic Street and establish a new touchdown on South State Street between the Atlantic Street and Canal Street intersections. A new signalized intersection will be created at the touchdown.
Manhattan Street will be lowered at the Atlantic Street intersection and then rise to meet the existing grade at a point approximately 100 feet from Atlantic Street. This will require some regrading of Manhattan Street and its sidewalks, but there no private property impacts are anticipated as resulting from this work.
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, December 6, 2013
There will be a Public Scoping Meeting for this project at:
DATE: Tuesday, November 19, 2013
TIME: 7:00 PM
PLACE: Government Center (4th Floor-Cafeteria), 888 Washington Boulevard, Stamford, CT
NOTES: The meeting location is accessible to persons with disabilities. Deaf and hearing impaired persons and those with limited english proficiency wishing to attend this meeting and requiring an interpreter may make arrangements by contacting the Department's Office of Communication at 860-594-3062 (voice only) at least five days prior to the meeting.
Written comments should be sent to:
| Name: | Mr. Scott A. Hill, Manager of Bridges and Facilities |
| Agency: | State of Connecticut Department of Transportation |
| Address: | 2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT 06131 |
| E-Mail: | Scott.Hill@ct.gov |
If you have questions about the public meeting, or other questions about the scoping for this project, contact:
| Name: | Mr. Robert P. Brown |
| Agency: | State of Connecticut Department of Transportation |
| Address: | 2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT 06131 |
| Phone: | 860-594-3207 |
| E-Mail: | Robert.Brown@ct.gov |
2. Notice of Scoping for Lake Compounce Campground Expansion
Municipality where proposed project might be located: Southington
Address of Possible Project Location: Enterprise Drive, Southington, CT
Project Description: Festival Fun Parks LLC (d/b/a Lake Compounce Amusement Park) is seeking state financial assistance for the expansion of the existing amusement park to include a campground facility. The proposed expansion project will consist of a 30 acre campground area that will allow the park to draw overnight visitors from neighboring states. The proposed activities include construction of cabins and RV sites, a welcome center, a power transformer station, extension of sewer & water service to the camping area, recreational fields and other associated project elements.
Project Maps:
Click here to view a Location Map of the project area.
Click here to view a Site Plan of the project area.Written comments from the public are welcomed and will be accepted until the close of business on December 19, 2013.
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 November 29, 2013.Written comments and/or requests for a Public Scoping Meeting should be sent to:
| Name: | Mark Hood |
| Agency: | Department of Economic and Community Development |
| Address: | 505 Hudson Street, Hartford, CT 06106 |
| Fax: | 860-270-8157 |
| E-Mail: | mark.hood@ct.gov |
If you have questions about the public meeting, or other questions about the scoping for this project, contact:
| Name: | Mark Hood |
| Agency: | Department of Economic and Community Development |
| Address: | 505 Hudson Street, Hartford, CT 06106 |
| Phone: | 860-270-8089 |
| Fax: | 860-270-8157 |
| E-Mail: | mark.hood@ct.gov |
3. Notice of Scoping for Affordable-Elderly Housing Development
Municipality where proposed project might be located: Southbury
Addresses of Possible Project Locations: Southbury Training School (1230 South Britain Road), 105 Kettletown Road, and 415 Roxbury Road, Southbury, Connecticut
Project Description: In accordance with Section 5 of Special Act (SA) No. 13-23, the Town of Southbury shall conduct an Environmental Impact Evaluation in the event that the Connecticut Department of Developmental Services (DDS) certifies it no longer needs a portion (approximately 45 acres) of its Southbury Training School (STS) property known as “Personnel Village (East)” located at 1230 South Britain Road. Pursuant to SA 13-23, the Town of Southbury shall use the STS parcel for housing purposes only and may lease the parcel to a nonprofit organization for senior housing purposes. In the event DDS certifies the subject parcel is no longer needed, the Department of Administrative Services shall convey the site to the Town of Southbury.
The Town of Southbury desires additional affordable-elderly housing and has identified and supports a proposed project to meet this need. Southbury Elderly Housing, Inc. (SEH) is a not-for-profit organization in Southbury that develops and owns affordable housing for the elderly. SEH proposes to provide new housing to meet this need within the Town of Southbury. SEH’s vision is “to create, over a period of years, four two-story Senior Housing buildings, each with approximately 45 one bedroom apartments and some limited congregate living facilities.” (See full description below).
In order to implement this proposed development, SEH has identified three (3) potential sites within the Town of Southbury to accommodate this proposal.
- Site 1 is the 45-acre site noted above which is currently under the care, control, and custody of DDS and currently houses a portion of its residential population. SEH is only interested in the Site 1 if DDS no longer needs the site for residential purposes and the site ownership is transferred to the Town of Southbury. The Town of Southbury would lease the property to SEH.
- Site 2 is a 22-acre site located at 105 Kettletown Road and is owned by the Town of Southbury.
- Site 3 is a 13-acre site located at 415 Roxbury Road and is owned by the Town of Southbury.
Written comments and/or requests for a Public Scoping Meeting should be sent to:
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Name: |
Shane P. Mallory, RPA, Administrator, Leasing and Property Transfer |
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Agency: |
State of Connecticut, Department of Administrative Services |
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Address: |
165 Capitol Ave, G-1, Hartford, Connecticut 06106 |
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Fax: |
(860) 713-7355 |
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E-Mail: |
Send copies of comments and any requests to the following:
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Name: |
Carol S. Hubert, Chief of Staff, Office of the First Selectman |
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Agency: |
Town of Southbury |
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Address: |
501 Main Street South, Southbury, Connecticut 06488 |
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Phone: |
(203) 262-0647 |
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E-Mail: |
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Name: |
Helena (Lainie) Jedlinsky |
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Agency: |
Southbury Elderly Housing, Inc. |
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Address: |
507 Roxbury Road, Southbury, Connecticut 06488 |
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Phone: |
(203) 264-5561 |
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E-Mail: |
If you have questions about the public meeting, or other questions about the scoping for this project, contact:
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Name: |
Carol S. Hubert, Chief of Staff, Office of the First Selectman |
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Agency: |
Town of Southbury |
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Address: |
501 Main Street South, Southbury, Connecticut 06488 |
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Phone: |
(203) 262-0647 |
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E-Mail: |
The agency expects to release an Environmental Impact Evaluation for this project, for public review and comment, in May, 2014.
Other information: Special Act H.B. No. 6672
1. Post-Scoping Notice for Francis J. Clarke Industrial Park Expansion
Municipality where project will be located: Bethel
CEPA Determination:
On August 6, 2013 the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) published a Notice of Scoping to solicit public comments for this project in the Environmental Monitor to determine CEPA obligations. Based on the comments received during the Scoping Period the Town of Bethel decided to reduce the size of the proposed industrial park expansion. Since the overall scope of the project had changed the DECD decided to publish a revised Scoping Notice to seek state agencies and public comments regarding the proposed project. A revised Notice of Scoping was published on the Environmental Monitor on October 8, 2013 and the public comment period ended on November 8, 2013. Scoping comments were received from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, the Department of Public Health and the Office of Policy Management. The issues/concerns raised by State agencies are explained in the attached Environmental Assessment Checklist. The agency's conclusion is documented in the attached Memo of Findings and Determination. The DECD does not recommend preparation of an Environmental Impact Evaluation to determine the extent of cumulative impacts associated with the proposed project.
If you have questions about the project, you can contact the agency at:
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Name: |
Mark Hood |
| Agency: | Department of Economic and Community Development |
| Address: | 505 Hudson Street, Hartford, CT 06106 |
| Phone: |
860-270-8089 |
| Fax: |
860-270-8157 |
| E-Mail: |
mark.hood@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.
1. Notice of EIE for the University of Connecticut Main Accumulation Area
Municipality where project is proposed: Mansfield
Address of Possible Project Location: UConn North Campus "Parcel G" Site, located between the existing North Hillside Road and C Lot on the University of Connecticut Storrs Campus, Mansfield, Connecticut
Project Description: The University of Connecticut (UConn) proposes to construct a new centralized facility for the temporary storage of chemical, biological, and low-level radioactive wastes from the University’s academic research and teaching laboratories and facility operations on the Storrs campus. To protect public health and the environment and to ensure regulatory compliance, these wastes are managed by the UConn Division of Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, as well as University health and safety policies and procedures.
The existing MAA is adequate to serve the current needs of the University and meets or exceeds state and federal requirements for safety and environmental protection. The existing MAA is located within the Fenton River watershed and the drainage basin of the Willimantic Reservoir, which is a public water supply. Although the facility has been operated safely since it was established in 1989, the University recognizes the public concern that remains about the location of the facility within the public water supply watershed. Also, space on the existing site is limited, resulting in poor circulation for waste transport vehicles, and its design is inconsistent with modern MAA facilities at other comparable research institutions. Further, the existing facility is expected to have difficulties meeting future needs without dramatically increasing the frequency of off-site waste shipments.
In 2012, UConn convened an Advisory Committee consisting of representatives from the Town of Mansfield, Windham Water Works, local watershed organizations, the Connecticut Institute of Water Resources, and University of Connecticut staff from Public Safety, Environmental Policy, and Residential Life. The Advisory Committee conducted a siting study to identify and assess potential sites for an upgraded MAA facility. The study recommended a prioritized list of alternative sites with the preferred alternative being the North Campus "Parcel G", located between the existing North Hillside Road and C Lot. This site is also located outside of the public water supply watershed.
The Proposed Action consists of constructing a new MAA facility on the North Campus Parcel G site and decommissioning of the existing MAA. The proposed facility consists of a waste storage building with a footprint of approximately 5,800 square feet and an overall site that is approximately 0.75 acres to accommodate vehicle circulation and parking.
The University has prepared an Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) to further evaluate the potential environmental impacts of the Proposed Action, as well as other alternative sites considered, including the existing location (i.e., the No Action alternative).
Project Map:
Click here to view a map of the site of the proposed MAA on North Campus Parcel G.
Comments on this EIE will be accepted until the close of business on: January 19, 2014
The public can view a copy of this EIE at:
Mansfield Town Clerk’s Office, Audrey P Beck Municipal Building, 4 South Eagleville Road, Mansfield, CT
Mansfield Public Library, 54 Warrenville Road, Mansfield, CT
The EIE can also be viewed on line by clicking on the link below:
Environmental Impact Evaluation, University of Connecticut, Main Accumulation Area
A copy of the EIE will be available at the following website: http://www.envpolicy.uconn.edu/eiestorage.html
A public hearing will be held on this EIE on:
DATE: January 8, 2014
TIME: 7:00 p.m. (Doors will be open at 6:00 p.m. to allow review of informational materials.)
PLACE: Room 146, UConn Bishop Center; One Bishop Circle; Storrs, CT
Written comments should be sent to:
Name: Jason Coite
Agency: University of Connecticut – Office of Environmental Policy
Address: 31 LeDoyt Road, U-3055, Storrs, Connecticut 06269
Phone: 860-486-9305
Fax: 860-486-5477
Email: jason.coite@uconn.edu
If you have questions about the public hearing, or other questions about the EIE, contact Mr. Coite as directed above.
1. Recommendation of the Commissioner of Energy & Environmental Protection Regarding a Proposed State Land Transfer in Newington (Step III)
Address of Property : 525 Russell Road, Newington
Commonly used name of property or other identifying information: former Cedarcrest Hospital
Number of acres to be transferred: 88.5 acres
Click to view map of property location
Previous editions of the Environmental Monitor have included notices pertaining to this proposed transfer:
Click here to view the original notice of intent to transfer the property (Step I).
The Department of Energy & Environmental Protection recommends protection of identified natural resources located on a portion of the subject property. Click here to read that recommendation and information concerning the environmental resources considered in this recommendation.
Comments from the public are welcome in this process. Comments may include information about significant natural resources or recreation resources on the property, as well as recommendations for means to preserve such resources. Comments must be received by the close of business on: November 22, 2013
Written comments* should be sent to:
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Name : |
David Fox |
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Agency : |
Department of Energy & Environmental Protection |
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Office of Envrionmental Review |
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Address : |
79 Elm St. |
| Hartford, CT 06106-5127 | |
| Telephone: | 860-424-4111 |
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E-Mail : |
david.fox@ct.gov |
*E-Mail submissions are preferred.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT:
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The Commissioner of Energy & Environmental Protection will respond to any comments received concerning this parcel in a Step IV Notice in a future edition of the Environmental Monitor.
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If no comments are received concerning this parcel, the Department will consider that all public notice requirements of CGS section 4b-47 have been satisfied.
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