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July 18, 2023

Scoping Notice

  1. Notice of Scoping for Pleasant View Water Main Interconnection Project, New Milford.
  2. Notice of Scoping for Fellowship Housing Redevelopment Phase I, West Hartford.
  3. Notice of Scoping for Ellis Street Commons, New Britain.
  4. Notice of Scoping for Whitney House Demolition, Mansfield.
  5. Notice of Scoping for Oak Woods, Plymouth.

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

    1. NEW! Notice of Time Extension for Port-Scoping Notice for Safety Improvements on Route 82 (Phase 1), Norwich.

Post-Scoping Notice

     No Post-Scoping Notice has been submitted for publication in this edition.

Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE)

   1. NEW! 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 8, 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 Pleasant View Water Main Interconnection Project

Address of possible location: Prospect Hill Road (CT Route 67), Legion Road, Dorwin Hill Road and Pleasant View Road

Municipality where proposed action might be located: New Milford

Project Description: Aquarion Water Company (Aquarion) proposes to interconnect the Aquarion New Milford Regional (PWSID# CT0960011) water system with the Aquarion Pleasant View (PWSID# CT0960301) water system. This proposal includes installation of approximately 4,260 feet (ft) of water main on Prospect Hill Road, 150 ft of new water main on Legion Road, 4,425 ft of new water main on Dorwin Hill Rd, and 70 ft of new water main on Pleasant View Rd. Aquarion proposes that completing the interconnection between the two systems will eliminate existing water quality concerns, increase capacity, improve reliability and ensure an adequate margin of safety for the Pleasant View water system. 

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: July 20, 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: June 30, 2023.

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

Name: Eric McPhee

Agency: Department of Public Health, Drinking Water Section 

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

E-Mail: dph.sourceprotection@ct.gov 

If you have questions about the scoping for this project, 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 

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

Agency: Department of Public Health, Hearing Office 

Address: 410 Capitol Avenue, MS #13PHO Hartford, CT 06134-0308

E-Mail: DPH.foi@ct.gov

Phone: 860-566-5682

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 West Hartford Fellowship Housing Redevelopment Phase I

Address10-30 Starkel Road, West Hartford, CT 06117 

Municipality: West Hartford
 
Project Description: Project plans of demolition and re-development for 4 phases and consist of the demolition of 22 of the existing apartment building and construction of six apartment buildings with 300 apartment units and a garage/maintenance building. Phase I includes the demolition of three of the existing one-story buildings consisting of twenty-two apartment units. The re-development and construction consist of two 3-story apartment buildings. Building 1 will consist of 3 studio and 22 one-bedroom apartment units. Building 2 will consist of 4 studios, 30 1-BR, and 6 2-BR units. Phase II consists of the demolition of 6 buildings and the construction of two 3-story buildings. Phase III will consist of the demolition of 8 buildings and construction of one 4-story building Phase IV will consist of the demolition of 4 buildings and construction of one 3-story building and a garage/maintenance building. The assistance anticipated at this time is $1,201,102, which is considered necessary for completion of Phase I and the State has considered the potential impact of the subsequent phases previously described as well.

Project MapWest Hartford Fellowship Housing Redevelopment Phase I

Written comments from the public are welcomed and will be accepted until the close of business on: August 3, 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: July 13, 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 Ellis Street Commons

Address321 Ellis Street, New Britain, CT 06051

Municipality: New Britain, CT

Project Description: The 321 Ellis Street project consists of the gut rehabilitation of a six-story structure formerly used as an electric mill that was built in 1920. The 7-acre site is located at 321 Ellis Street in the city of New Britain, Connecticut. Ellis Street Commons will comprise a total of One Hundred Fifty-Four (154) residential units to be outfitted with a mix of 79 one-bedroom, 59 two-bedroom, and 16 three-bedroom units serving individuals at 30%, 50%, 60% and 80% area median income. The unit mix in addition to the number of one-bedroom units, will be marketed to senior households, owing to the high demand for affordable senior housing in the city. The 222,030 sq ft building will feature a leasing and management office as well as amenity spaces for residents. The site will be improved to include new open space and include 230 surface parking.

Project Map321 Ellis St

Written comments from the public are welcomed and will be accepted until the close of business on: August 3, 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: July 13, 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

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

 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 Whitney House Demolition at the University of Connecticut

Address of possible location:  1315 Storrs Road

Municipality where proposed action might be located: Mansfield

Project Description:  Built between 1802 and 1807, Whitney House is one of the oldest structures on campus and has been a contributing resource to the University of Connecticut Historic District since 1989. Damaged by fire, smoke, and water earlier this year, the building is unsafe for occupancy and beyond reasonable repair. This project will plan, design, and decommission the building for demolition, and will eliminate present hazards and liabilities associated with the existing structure and site.

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, August 4, 2023

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

DATE:  Tuesday, July 25, 2023

TIME:  6:00 PM EST

Register in advance at:
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_aBU9fGcXRUKzXAGGDVgusw

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Additional information about the project, including a recording of the public scoping meeting, will be available online at:  http://updc.uconn.edu/whitney-house 

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

Name: James Libby, Sr. Project Manager

Agency: University Planning, Design & Construction

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

E-Mail: james.libby@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:
 The University 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 Oak Woods

Address9 Scott Road, Terryville, CT 06786

Municipality: Plymouth
 
Project Description: Oak Woods is located in Terryville (Plymouth), CT - the development will be built on+/- 8 acres. The proposed 59-unit development will be located at 9 Scott Road. The 59-unit development has already attained site plan approval from the town. In fact, much of the infrastructure (e.g., roads and underground plumbing) already been "roughed-in" by the current owner. Therefore, the project is capable of commencing immediately upon funding. The development will be comprised of all 2-bedroom units. Oak Woods Condominiums will service residents at the 25%, 50%, 80% & market rate rent levels. Moreover, the development will enhance the affordable housing stock in Terryville (Plymouth), CT which currently has 7.73% affordable housing units.

There are no floodplain encroachments on the proposed site. There are wetlands, on the site - the site has received wetland approvals from the Town. CT DEEP opined that wetlands approvals is on the local level - no additional review from CT DEEP regarding wetlands. Utility infrastructure, including the access road off of Scott Road, have been installed to the site. The neighborhood for the proposed Oak Woods is within walking distance to a high concentration of residential related services, including, but not limited to, recreational areas, green spaces, medical facilities, banks, schools, grocery stores, sports facilities, library.

Project MapMap of Oak Woods
 
Written comments from the public are welcomed and will be accepted until the close of business on: August 3, 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: July 13, 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.


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 notice for additional time has 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.


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


No Post-Scoping Notice has been submitted for publication in this edition.


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: paul.aresta@ct.gov.


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