P&Z: Trumbull's Flooding Argument Doesn't Hold Water

Written by Angela Cross

While deliberating on Kimball Land Holdings LLC's application for a Big Box store at 2 Victoria Drive — which many believe will be a Walmart, the Planning & Zoning Commission denied the town of Trumbull's contention that drainage into the Pequonnock River would worsen flood conditions for Trumbull properties downstream. The commission also came up with conditions of approval before deciding to continue deliberations at its next meeting on Jan. 16, 2014.

Through its attorney, Darin Callahan, Trumbull was granted intervenor status at a previous meeting based upon the environmental issue of flooding. Callahan said the development would speed up storm water runoff from the site, making an existing problem worse.

But at last Thursday's meeting, the commission determined the intervenor did not meet the burden of proof and dismissed the complaint. The Commission was satisfied the applicant presented evidence there would be no detrimental impact to the Pequonnock River.

"I think the applicant did a good job explaining that 100-percent of the roof and parking lot runoff are trapped in the parking lot and with storm drains along Victoria Drive," Commissioner Jim Weinberg said. 

Town Impact

Commissioner Cathleen Lindstrom raised concerns about the overall impact a big box store would have on the town. "How do we determine the overall benefit, good, future impact to the town?" she asked.

P&Z Chairman Pat O'Hara advised, "We have to look at it on the merits of the application. We don't pick our applicants."

Commissioner Jim Weinberg said, "We are limited, in my view, in how much we can consider our (Monroe) neighbors’ views."

Commissioner Brian Quinn cautioned, "We are all in it together. We are all neighbors. It impacts us all. (The application) is relevant to our P.O.C.D. (Plan of Conservation and Development), our quality of life."

Conditions Discussed

The Commission deliberated on site improvement requirements for the proposal. It required the applicant to have a sign that is externally lit, with light shining onto the sign. The sign is not to have an internal light source. 

Additional requirements include changes to exterior lighting, planting areas, bollards and curbing. The commission further discussed a possible future bus stop at the location, concluding a bus stop curb location is approved but a bus stop shelter would have to come for approval on a future application.