September 6, 2016
- REVISED! Proposed Commuter Railroad Station, Orange
- Franklin Sewer Extension, Franklin
- NEW! Rehabilitation of the Heroes Tunnel, Woodbridge, Hamden, New Haven
- Relocation of I-91 Northbound (NB) Interchange and Widening of I-91 NB and Rt. 15 NB to I-84 EB, Hartford and East Hartford
- NEW! Norwalk River Railroad Bridge (Walk Bridge) Replacement, Norwalk
- #18 Thames St., Groton
- Hartford Turnpike, Vernon
The next edition of the Environmental Monitor will be published on September 20, 2016.
1. Notice of Scoping for Proposed Commuter Railroad Station
Municipality where proposed project might be located: Orange, Connecticut
Address of Possible Project Location: The proposed project site is located on the eastern end of Salemme Lane, approximately 0.25 miles south of Interstate 95. The site is bounded on the west by Marsh Hill Road, on the east by the Oyster River, and on the southeast by the Metro North Railroad.
Project Description: The Connecticut Department of Transportation (Department) is proposing to construct a New Haven Line commuter rail station on the Metro North Railroad in the Town of Orange, CT through a public-private partnership agreement that will include Transit Oriented Development (TOD). The commuter rail station will include station platforms, canopies, a pedestrian overpass, and a service access road within the existing railroad right-of-way. A commuter drop-off/pick-up, taxi stand and bus stop areas will be part of the TOD developer's site work. Two new approximately 1020 feet long, canopied station platforms, one bound for New Haven and one bound for Stamford and points west are proposed. A covered pedestrian bridge will connect the two platforms via stairtowers and elevators. The Stamford-bound platform will connect to sidewalks leading to a proposed commercial/commuter parking structure that is being constructed as part of a proposed TOD adjacent to the proposed commuter rail station.
The proposed TOD, which is subject to local review and approval, will include improvements and extension of the existing Salemme Lane, and is anticipated to include construction of 6 new buildings, housing 200 dwelling units and approximately 21,500 square feet of retail space, 43 on-street and 80 off-street surface parking spaces, an approximately 800 space parking structure, and associated site landscaping and stormwater management features. The proposed parking structure will consist of a 3-level 233+/- space section that will be dedicated parking for the TOD development and a second, 6-level, 566+/- space commercial/commuter garage that will serve the rail station. The Department will share expenses for the portion of the garage dedicated to commuter parking. The TOD design also provides opportunity for future pedestrian connection with the Yale West Campus to the north.
Elements of the project associated with the rail station will be funded by the State of Connecticut and the Federal Transit Administration.
Project Maps: Click here to view a location map of the project area.
Click here to view an illustrative site plan.
Written comments from the public are welcomed and will be accepted until the close of business on: Friday, October 7, 2016
There will be a Public Scoping Meeting for this project at:
DATE: Thursday, September 8, 2016
TIME: Doors open at 6:30 PM, a presentation will begin at 7:00 PM
PLACE: High Plains Community Center Gymnasium, 525 Orange Center Road, Orange, CT 06477
NOTES: The meeting location is accessible to persons with disabilities. Deaf and hearing impaired persons 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. 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: | dot.environmentalplanning@ct.gov |
If you have questions about the public meeting, or other 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.
2. Notice of Scoping for Franklin Sewer Extension
Municipality where proposed project would be located: Franklin
Project Location: Route 32
Project Description: The project, funded by an Urban Action Grant, will consist of the design, permitting and construction of approximately 7,500 feet of 8” and 12” gravity sewers from a connection with the City of Norwich sewer system along a portion of Old Route 32, continuing northerly along State Route 32 to the intersection of Murphy Road in Franklin. At the same time, approximately 6,100 feet of gas main and related improvements and appurtenances will be installed in Route 32, between the intersections of Murphy Road and New Park Avenue, and 8,000 feet of 12” water main will be installed from the interconnection with the City of Norwich Water system on New Park Avenue and along State Route 32 between the intersections of Old Route 32 and Murphy Road. Water and gas utilities will be funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Economic Development Administration.
Project Map: Click here to view a project location map
Additional information about the project can be viewed in person at:
Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
Bureau of Water Protection & Land Reuse (2nd floor)
79 Elm Street
Hartford, CT 06106
Written comments from the public are welcomed and will be accepted until the close of business on: September 16, 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 August 26, 2016.
Written comments and/or requests for a Public Scoping Meeting should be sent to:
| Name: | Ivonne Hall |
| Agency: |
Department of Energy & Environmental Protection
Bureau of Water Protection & Land Reuse |
| Address: |
79 Elm Street
Hartford, CT 06106-5127
|
| Phone: | 860-424-3754 |
| Fax: | 860-424-4067 |
| E-Mail: | ivonne.hall@ct.gov |
If you have questions about scoping for this project, contact Ms. Hall, as directed above.
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to complying with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Any person with a disability who may need a communication aid or service may contact the agency's ADA Coordinator at 860-424-3194 or at deep.hrmed@ct.gov. Any person with limited proficiency in English, who may need information in another language, may contact the agency's Title VI Coordinator at 860-424-3035 or at deep.aaoffice@ct.gov. ADA or Title VI discrimination complaints may be filed with DEEP’s EEO Manager at (860) 424-3035 or at deep.aaoffice@ct.gov.
3. Notice of Scoping for Rehabilitation of the Heroes Tunnel (Bridge No. 00773)
Municipalities where proposed project might be located: Woodbridge, Hamden, and New Haven
Address of Possible Project Location: Route 15 (Wilbur Cross Parkway) through West Rock Ridge
Project Description: The Heroes Tunnel, also known as Bridge No. 00773, 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.
Click here to view an aerial view of the project area.
DATE: Thursday September 22, 2016
TIME: Open Forum at 6:30 p.m. - Formal Presentation will begin at 7:00 p.m.
PLACE: Woodbridge Senior Center, 4 Meetinghouse Lane, Woodbridge, CT
NOTES: The meeting location is ADA accessible. If language assistance is needed please contact the Department of Transportation's Office of Communications at 860-594-3062 (voice only) at least five days prior to the meeting.
Written comments 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: | dot.environmentalplanning@ct.gov |
| Name: | Mr. David A. Cutler, Transportation Supervising Engineer |
| Agency: |
Connecticut Department of Transportation
Bureau of Engineering and Construction
|
| Address: | 2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT 06131 |
| Phone: | 860-594-3210 |
| E-Mail: | David.Cutler@ct.gov |
1. Post-Scoping Notice for Relocation of I-91 Northbound (NB) Interchange 29 and Widening of I-91 NB and Route 15 NB to I-84 Eastbound (EB).
Municipalities where project will be located: Hartford and East Hartford
CEPA Determination: On August 18, 2015 the Connecticut Department of Transportation (Department) published a Notice of Scoping to solicit public comments for this project in the Environmental Monitor. During the scoping period, the Department received comments from the Department of Public Health, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, the Office of Policy and Management, and one member of the public. The Department has taken those comments into consideration and has concluded that the project does not require the preparation of Environmental Impact Evaluation under CEPA.
In addition to requirements under CEPA, an Environmental Assessment was performed under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to determine the proper level of Federal environmental documentation. After concluding this process, the Department will be seeking a Finding of No Significant Impact under NEPA since the project is not expected to have any associated significant environmental impacts.
The agency's conclusion is documented in a Memo of Findings and Determination and Environmental Assessment Checklist.
If you have questions about the project, you can contact the agency at:
|
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: |
dot.environmentalplanning@ct.gov |
What happens next: The Connecticut Department of Transportation expects the project to go forward. This is expected to be the final notice of the project to be published in the Environmental Monitor.
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 Norwalk River Railroad Bridge (Walk Bridge) Replacement
Municipality where project is proposed: Norwalk, Connecticut
Address of Possible Project Location: New Haven Line Railroad Bridge (Walk Bridge), Bridge No. 42.88R; Mile Post (MP) 41.5 on the New Haven Line, Norwalk River, Norwalk, CT
Project Description: In cooperation with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), the Connecticut Department of Transportation (Department) proposes to replace the Walk Bridge over the Norwalk River in South Norwalk. The purpose of the project is to restore or replace the existing deteriorated bridge with a resilient bridge structure which will enhance the safety and reliability of rail service; offer operational flexibility and ease of maintenance; and provide for increased capacity and efficiencies of rail transportation along the New Haven Line/Northeast Corridor, while maintaining or improving navigational capacity and dependability for marine traffic in the Norwalk River. Upgrades to the Walk Bridge, through rehabilitation or replacement, are needed to increase bridge reliability, incorporate bridge redundancy, and provide a sustainable bridge for significant weather events, thereby accommodating current and future rail and marine traffic.
The proposed project includes railroad approaches from the east and west, totaling approximately one-half-track-mile. Track, catenary, and signal work will be accomplished within the existing state right-of-way, and will extend from approximately the Washington Street Bridge in South Norwalk (Bridge No. 36.93R; MP 41.28) to approximately 300 feet east of the Fort Point Street Bridge in East Norwalk. The Fort Point Street Bridge (Bridge No. 41.31; MP 41.79) will be replaced as part of the project.
Multiple design variations within four groups of alternatives were investigated: No Build, Rehabilitation, Replacement (Movable Bridge), and Replacement (Fixed Bridge). The Department held multiple meetings with public agencies and project stakeholders, including the public, to identify concerns and requirements for the replacement bridge design and to obtain public and agency input. With input from those meetings, the Department determined that the Replacement Alternative (Movable Bridge) would be evaluated in the document and would include the options for a bascule bridge and a vertical lift bridge. The Department has determined that a Long Span Vertical Lift Bridge is the Preferred Alternative.
Since this project involves Federal funding, the environmental document is a joint Environmental Assessment (EA)/Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) to satisfy both the National Environmental Policy Act and the Connecticut Environmental Policy Act.
Comments on this EA/EIE will be accepted until the close of business on: Friday, October 21, 2016. The Department will consider all oral and written comments received during the comment period.
The public can view a copy of this EA/EIE at: The Connecticut Department of Transportation Bureau of Policy and Planning (Room 2155), 2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT; Norwalk City Hall, Town Clerk Office, 125 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT; Norwalk Public Library, 1 Beldon Avenue, Norwalk, CT; East Norwalk Association Library, 51 Van Zant Street, Norwalk, CT; South Norwalk Branch Library, 10 Washington Street, Norwalk, CT; and the Western CT Council of Governments, 1 Riverside Road, Sandy Hook, CT.
Additionally, the public can view a copy of the project map, the proposed project alternatives, and a copy of the EA/EIE online at: www.walkbridgect.com/environmental
It is also available online at: www.ct.gov/environmentaldocumentsThere is a public hearing scheduled for this EA/EIE on:
DATE: Thursday, October 6, 2016
TIME: Open Forum at 6:00 p.m. and Formal Presentation at 7:00 p.m.
PLACE: Norwalk City Hall, Concert Hall, 125 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT
NOTES: The meeting facility is ADA accessible. Free language assistance or sign interpretation may be requested by contacting the Program’s Public Information Office at (203) 752-1996 at least five (5) business days prior to the meeting. Efforts will be made to respond to requests for assistance.
Additional information about this project can be found online at: www.walkbridgect.com
Send your comments about this EA/EIE 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, Connecticut, 06131 |
| E-Mail: | info@walkbridgect.com |
If you have questions about the public hearing, or where you can review this EA/EIE, or similar matters, please contact:
| Name: | Ms. Heather Cwikla |
| Agency: |
WSP / Parsons Brinckerhoff
|
| Address: | 424 Chapel Street, New Haven, CT 06511 |
| E-Mail: | info@walkbridgect.com |
| Phone: |
(203) 785-0456 ext.137
|
Other information:
To be added to the Walk Bridge Program communications list or to submit a comment through the project website, please visit www.walkbridgect.com/contact
1. Notice of Proposed Land Transfer, Groton
Complete Address of Property: 18 Thames Street, Groton
Commonly used name of property or other identifying information: N/A
Number of acres to be transferred: 0.455
Click to view map of property location
Description of Property
Below is some general information about the property. It should not be considered a complete description of the property and should not be relied upon for making decisions. If only a portion of a property is proposed for transfer, the description pertains only to the portion being transferred.
Brief Description of Historical and Current Uses: Not available
The property to be transferred contains the following:
| Structures: | Buildings in use | x | Buildings not in use | No Structures | ||
| Other Features: | Wooded land | Nonagricultural fields | Active agriculture | |||
| x | Paved areas | Ponds, streams, other water, wetlands | ||||
| Water Supply: | x | Public water supply | On-site well | Unknown | ||
| Waste Disposal: | x | Served by sewers | On-site septic system | Unknown | ||
The property is in the following municipal zone(s):
| Residential | Industrial | x | Commercial | Institutional | |||
| Other: | |||||||
| Not zoned | Not known | ||||||
Value of property, if known: Unknown
| If checked, value is not known. |
Links to other available information
Type of Sale or Transfer:
| x | Sale or transfer of property in fee |
| Sale or transfer of partial interest in the property (such as an easement). Description of interest: |
Proposed recipient, if known: N/A
Proposed use by property recipient, if known: N/A
The agency is proposing to transfer the property with the following restrictions on future uses:
| x | If checked, the state is not currently proposing restrictions on future uses. |
Reason the State of Connecticut is proposing to transfer this property: No longer meets the State's needs.
Comments from the public are welcome and will be accepted until the close of business on September 15, 2016.
Comments may include (but are not limited to) information you might have about significant natural resources or recreation resources on the property, as well as your recommendations for means to preserve such resources.
Written comments* should be sent to:
|
Name: |
Patrick O'Brien |
|
Agency: |
Office of Policy and Management |
|
Address: |
450 Capitol Avenue MS#52 ASP |
| Hartford, CT 06106-1379 | |
|
E-Mail: |
Patrick.Obrien@ct.gov |
2. Notice of Proposed Land Transfer, Vernon
Complete Address of Property: (Unknown number) Hartford Turnpike, Vernon, CT
Commonly used name of property or other identifying information: N/A
Number of acres to be transferred: 300 Sq. Feet
Description of Property
Below is some general information about the property. It should not be considered a complete description of the property and should not be relied upon for making decisions. If only a portion of a property is proposed for transfer, the description pertains only to the portion being transferred.
Brief Description of Historical and Current Uses: Old easement.
The property to be transferred contains the following:
| Structures: | Buildings in use | Buildings not in use | x | No Structures | ||
| Other Features: | Wooded land | Nonagricultural fields | x | Active agriculture | ||
| Paved areas | Ponds, streams, other water, wetlands | |||||
| Water Supply: | Public water supply | On-site well | x | Unknown | ||
| Waste Disposal: | Served by sewers | On-site septic system | x | Unknown | ||
The property is in the following municipal zone(s):
| x | Residential | Industrial | Commercial | Institutional | |||
| Other: | |||||||
| Not zoned | Not known |
Special features of the property, if known: Unknown
Value of property, if known:
| x | If checked, value is not known. |
Type of Sale or Transfer:
| x | Sale or transfer of property in fee |
| Sale or transfer of partial interest in the property (such as an easement). Description of interest: |
Proposed recipient, if known: Unknown
Proposed use by property recipient, if known: Unknown
The agency is proposing to transfer the property with the following restrictions on future uses:
| x | If checked, the state is not currently proposing restrictions on future uses. |
Reason the State of Connecticut is proposing to transfer this property: no longer meets State's needs.
Comments from the public are welcome and will be accepted until the close of business on September 15, 2016.
Comments may include (but are not limited to) information you might have about significant natural resources or recreation resources on the property, as well as your recommendations for means to preserve such resources.
Written comments* should be sent to:
|
Name: |
Patrick O'Brien |
|
Agency: |
Office of Policy and Management |
|
Address: |
450 Capitol Avenue MS#52 ASP |
| Hartford, CT 06106-1379 | |
|
E-Mail: |
Patrick.Obrien@ct.gov |
*E-Mail submissions are preferred.
Send copies of comments to:
Shane Mallory, DAS
165 Capitol Ave, G-1
Hartford, CT 06106
(Comments from state agencies must be on agency letterhead and signed by agency head. Scanned copies are preferred.)
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