Save Darien's Wetlands

Our Blog Has Moved

2009-07-30T19:37:00.003-04:00

Our blog has moved to http://www.savedarienswetlands.org/blog/ Visit for News and Updates on flooding in Darien, CT.

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We Comment at EPC Hearing on 305 Middlesex

2009-01-08T22:36:00.003-05:00

At the January 7, 2009 Environmental Protection Hearing on 305 Middlesex, Save Darien's Wetlands commented on this development project. Hear our comments and view presentation on youtube.com: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6V-3o6E_zo

Town of Darien Sets Public Meeting on Flooding

2008-10-20T09:53:00.000-04:00

ATTENTION!

TOWN of DARIEN ANNOUNCES
PUBLIC MEETING ON STONY BROOK FLOODING

Town Hall on Tuesday, October 28th at 7:30pm

The Town of Darien has retained the services of Milone and MacBroom, an engineering consulting firm headquartered in Cheshire Connecticut to conduct a town-wide drainage study. Milone and MacBroom will be at the public hearing.

PLEASE NOTE...

Residents and property owners concerned about and affected by the flooding of the Stony Brook and its tributaries are encouraged to attend the meeting and share their observations with the Milone and MacBroom team.

This is YOUR opportunity to discuss flooding issues with the engineers.

FLOOD WATCH

2008-07-23T18:07:00.003-04:00

Darien, CT- Please view the CT Post Website for full information. A Flood Watch is issued through Thursday evening.

Save Darien's Wetlands Presents A New Video: A Wetlands Primer

2008-07-03T14:04:00.005-04:00

Darien, CT-- To heighten awareness of the connection between healthy wetlands and flooding, Save Darien's Wetlands has produced a video titled "A Wetlands Primer". Visit the homepage of our website at http://www.savedarienswetlands.org/ or view the video on YouTube.com. In preserving the wetlands to perform their natural tasks of filtration, absorbtion, and slowing storm water... we can make headway in reducing the impact of flood waters upon Darien's residents and businesses.

Flood Presentation and Flooding on Agenda at Darien Town Hall

2008-06-21T13:49:00.001-04:00

Have you noticed?—One small step at Darien Town Hall, the EPC agenda now lists referrals from Planning and Zoning at the bottom. We applaud this move to bring EPC into the building approval process.
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Tuesday, June 24—Planning and Zoning Meeting at Darien Town Hall, 2 Renshaw Rd. in the Auditorium. If time permitting, there will be an Update on Stormwater Report. It's disappointing that this is at the end of the agenda. Is it no longer a priority?
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Wednesday, June 25—EPC Meeting at Darien Town Hall, 2 Renshaw Rd. in Room 119. Residential building site at 5 Holly Lane is on the agenda. The house is completed, the "For Sale" sign is up, and the pumping of ground water from the foundation to the wetlands needs to be resolved.
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Thursday, June 26—Two Presentations on Flooding at New Canaan Town Hall, 77 Main St, in the Board Room

6:30 pm.... "A Holistic Approach to the Five Mile River Storm Water Issue: Action Steps That Will Lead to Relief" presented by Diane Lauricella, an environmental scientist and president of Environmental Innovations Group, a Norwalk-based consulting firm that assembles real estate environmental site assessments, reviews land use applications, acts as an issues advocate for environmental and regulated communities and advises small businesses about green, clean operations.

7:30pm... "The Rivers and Watercourses of New Canaan: Threats and Management" presented by State Representative John Hetherington will commence at 7:30 p.m. in the Auditorium on the Main Level. The panel includes Arthur P. Christian II, P.E.- CT DEP supervising civil engineer; First Selectman Jeb Walker and members from Inland Wetlands Water Resources.
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Mark your calendar for EPC Meeting July 23. A proposed multi-unit building at 26 Oak Crest goes before the EPC. The project is located near wetlands on the Goodwives River watershed. Lets get answers of what will happen to the wetlands BEFORE there is any construction!

2008-05-30T09:57:00.003-04:00

CT DEP Denies Heights - Baker Project

On Tuesday night at the end of the Board of Selectmen meeting it was announced by the First Selectman that the Baker Field/Heights Rd flood mitigation project is stalled. Even as the Darien Times reported last week that the project was still in the works, the state DEP had denied Public Works application for a permit. The DEP wants alternative plans explored and environmental studies on the impact of the project.

Zoning Proposal Packs a Damaging Punch!
June 3^rd at 8pm Planning and Zoning will hear a proposal to to "define" and allow "Transit Oriented Development" zoning. This would reduce setback and allow greater coverage of property on West Ave within 1500 ft of each of our train stations, probably resulting in multi-unit apartments and town houses.

This is a town issue, a neighborhood issue, a school issue, a tax issue, a flooding issue!

More land covered means less perk for water.
More run off on West Ave means more flooding on Heights Rd, and residential streets such as Moore, Catharine, Kelsey, and Holmes.
Greater population density means additional children in Darien schools either requiring a larger teacher to student ratio, additional class rooms, additional staff.
Darien does not have adequate drainage. Our over-burdened creeks and rivers take the run off and storm water to the sound.

Citizens have been told that Darien is already 98% developed. Re-purposing property is OVER DEVELOPMENT.

EPC to Meet Again on 5 Holly Lane Development

Wednesday night the EPC met and had 5 Holly Lane on the agenda. This has not been resolved and will be on the agenda for their next meeting. Before the board is the question if the builder will be allowed to pump a large quantity of water every day on to a Town-owned portion of the wetlands.

Thanks!!!
It was great to see everyone at the Memorial Day Parade. We had hundreds of people stop by for water and to learn more about flooding in Darien.

First Mitigation Project Stopped Before it Began

2008-05-27T22:48:00.003-04:00

Tonight the BOS met and it was taped by Channel 79. Evonne Klein gave the First Selectman's report to the board. She and Bob Steeger met with DEP this past week. Darien applied for DEP permission for the Heights Rd/Baker Field project and it has been denied. The DEP suggests that other alternatives be explored, they need an assessment of the impact on the wetlands and impact on the native wildlife. Evonne wants them to come on site to see the challenges of implementing the project in a compact residential area and why Darien chose public property vs acquiring expensive private property for the project. DEP only approves or denies, so the process needs to start again.

EPC to Vote on May 28

2008-05-24T06:31:00.002-04:00

The EPC is meeting on May 28th at 7:30 pm in Room 119 at Town Hall. They are no longer accepting public comment on the Flood and Erosion Regulations. This is the vote to accept them or not.

Board of Finance Supports Flood Mitigation Strategy

2008-03-26T13:33:00.003-04:00

Darien, CT - Last night the Flood Mitigation Strategy went before the Board of Finance. Flooded Darien residents and members of Save Darien's Wetlands attended the meeting. The Board drafted and voted on a resolution to support the strategy and acknowledged that no appropriation before them at this time.

Concern Rises Over Proposed Teardown in Darien

2008-03-14T09:24:00.005-04:00

Darien, CT - Property Owners and Residents are Urged to Attend !

April 2nd -7:30 EPC Meeting - Public Hearing regarding 305 Middlesex Road - We need you to speak up regarding this application to build a 5200 + square foot house in WETLANDS, where now stands a very small home. VIEW VIDEO OF FLOODING AT THIS LOCATION.

THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT TO ALL OF US - overbuilding and encroachment of wetlands is part of the flooding problem. View the video below to see the flooding that already occurs at this location. If the current home is replaced with a larger house, a garage, a driveway... Where will the water go? Property in this area is already experiencing water damage, sand and silt build up and the closure of Middlesex Road, a major road in Darien.

Click the arrow in the center of the screen to view the video.

Public Hearings on Flood Mitigation Strategy

2008-03-01T07:54:00.003-05:00

Darien, CT--

Board of Selectmen Meeting at 8:00 Monday, March 3, Room 206. They will vote on Flood Mitigation Strategy. Open to public. Open to public comment.

EPC Public Meeting 7:30pm, Wednesday, March 5, Room 206 of the Darien Town Hall, 2 Renshaw Road, Darien, CT On the agenda under Other Business: Discussion and possible action regarding Flood Mitigation Strategy. Read the agenda

Update on Latest Activity

2008-02-27T12:08:00.005-05:00

Save Darien's Wetlands has considered the flood plan proposed by the Town of Darien. We have send a letter to the Darien Times to applaud the town on stepping up to a plan, but to again voice the 3 items that citizens have demanded for immediate action:
1) water retention,
2) residential --water and drainage mitigation--regulations coupled with enforcement, and
3) regular scheduled maintenance of the Town's drainage system and drainage creeks.

Representatives from Save Darien's Wetlands, New Canaan's Friends of the Five Mile River and the West Norwalk Association met with the executive Director of the Rivers Alliance of Connecticut. All three groups are voiced their concern over sand that is choking the waterways and forcing water to find new courses, often through people's homes. While some towns are pointing to private property owners to be responsible for dredging their portion or the waterways, Norwalk has taken a progressive, proactive approach by installing filters on drains and even reporting the amount of debris that's removed. Our groups are committed to seeking state action for short term solutions while pursuing long term "river length management."

Channel 55 from Melville, NY was in Darien today to speak with homeowners who have experienced flooding in 2007 and to interview town officials. Our president, Vanessa Wood, was also interviewed and she expressed the need for short term solutions while long term plans are being developed. This story on Darien's flooding will be aired either on the 11pm news, Wednesday, February 27 or on Saturday on a special Connecticut segment. WLNY can be seen on Cablevision 15, Dish Network 55, Verizon 10.

Flooding on the Agenda...

2008-02-02T20:19:00.000-05:00

Darien, CT - Flooding is on the agenda again!

SATURDAY, February 9 at the DCA - The Republican Club is hosting a panel discussion on flooding. Topics include the roles of Town, State, Federal and Private Property Owners. This is not a forum to discuss specific Town measures to address flooding, however it is anticipated to provide a detailed overview of the dynamics of the causes of flooding, what government programs are available to assist in mitigating flooding, and what can be done in preparation of the next heavy rain event. A great way to catch up and become informed. Doors open at 8:15 AM, program last one hour from 9 AM to 10 AM. All are welcome. Darien Community Association at 274 Middlesex (Google Map)

MONDAY, February 11 at Town Hall - Presentation from the Flood Mitigation Committee, Boards and Departments who have met in private to draft a flood mitigation plan bring their plan to the public. Meeting starts at 7 PM. Darien Town Hall at 2 Renshaw Rd (Google Map)

RTM Passes Multiple Drainage Items

2008-01-29T11:41:00.000-05:00

Darien, CT-- Last night the RTM passed multiple drainage items that were on their agenda.

The first item was topographical mapping. The last time it was done was in the 1950, prior to the construction of I-95 and the development of the past 50 years. The cost will be $350,000. It was reported that an RFP (Request for Proposal) has been sent out and if an acceptable bid is placed, mapping can begin in March or April -- it must be done while the leaves are off the trees and there is NO snow on the ground. It will take 6 months for the mapping results to be returned to Public Works. This passed unanimously.

Next on the agenda was approval of an accounting transaction... movement of $203,000 from the infrastructure reserve to replenish the general fund. This money has been appropriated for the engineering studies for the Baker Park flood mitigation project.

The La Forge Rd drainage project was approved 56 for, 15 against and 6 RTM members abstaining. The total cost of the project is $437,00 - it will entail installation of a pipe to move water from La Forge Rd to a tributary of Stony Brook. Head of Public Works, Bob Steeger, assured everyone that the downstream effect will be negligible.

The final item was the transfer of $200,000 to a FEMA Buy Out Fund. It was described that FEMA allocates money to the CT State DEP to allocate to towns through a grant process. If a town is successful in obtaining a grant, 75% of a project is paid by the grant and the town is responsible for the remaining 25%. It was reported that last year $680,000 was awarded to the entire state of Connecticut and distributed to towns. There are two homeowners in Darien who have requested that the town apply for a FEMA Buy Out (note: even if Darien obtained the entire grant money allotted to the State, it's unlikely there is enough funding to purchase both properties). This item also passed overwhelmingly.

Planning & Zoning Meeting

2008-01-18T20:32:00.000-05:00

Darien, CT-- Each Thursday the Darien News-Review carries LEGAL NOTICES of upcoming meetings at Town Hall. The meeting agendas are posted on the Town of Darien website. Two applications will be in front of P&Z at their next meeting may effect you. If you think so, it's worthwile to attend the commission meeting.

Planning & Zoning Commission, Jan. 22, 2008 at 8pm in Room 119 at Town Hall.

68 Stony Brook Road: Continuaton of Public Hearing regarding Land Filling and Regrading Application #196.

30 Driftway Lane: Flood Damage Prevention Application #251

"At this Hearing, interested persons may be heard and written communication received. The sumitted materials may be reviewed during regular business hours 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Friday at the Planning and Zoning Department, Town Hall."

Attention... RTM To Vote on Flood Projects

2008-01-17T09:36:00.000-05:00

Darien, CT - Two Town Hall Meetings to deal with flooding.

Monday, January 14 at 8pm - SPECIAL Board of Selectmen Meeting
On the agenda is a "possible" update on flood mitigation projects by Bob Steeger.

Monday January 28 at 8:15 PM - RTM Meeting
Up for Vote at the meeting are several items for appropriating money to flood projects: topographical mapping, LaForge Rd project, movement of money to a FEMA Buy Out account, moving more money to Infrastructure account. View PDF file of WARNING from RTM. The Hieghts Road/Baker Field project is NOT on the agenda for January 28.

Grassroots Flooding Groups Forming

2008-01-08T09:25:00.000-05:00

Darien, CT - Residents gathering to address flooding.

Bob Wagman heads the West Norwalk Association group who have been proactive in addressing the flooding on the Five Mile River. As you may be aware, this river also runs through Darien and experienced flooding in October 2007. The Norwalk group can be contacted at 203-852-9332.

Friends of the Five Mile River to meet on January 22 at the New Canaan Library in the Lamb Room. There will be two meetings to choose from: one session from Noon to 2 and an evening session from 6 to 7:30pm. RSVP 203-972-6990-- Please let them know which session you plan to attend. Library number for directions 594-5000.

Flooding in Darien, CT in the News This Week

2008-01-05T08:23:00.000-05:00

Saturday, Connecticut Edition of the New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/06/nyregion/nyregionspecial2/06floodct.html?_r=1&ref=nyregionspecial2&oref=slogin

Thursday, Darien Times - Flooding: The #1 News Story of 2007
http://www.acorn-online.com/news/publish/darien/27111.shtml

Baker Park Flood Mitigation Project

2008-01-02T17:57:00.000-05:00

PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING
Town Hall, Room 119
Monday, January 7th at 7:30pm
First of the discussions of the how the Baker Project will effect flooding in Darien, CT
Public invited.

PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING
Town Hall Auditorium, Wednesday, January 9th at 6:30pm. It will last only an hour.

Bob Steeger, head of Public Works, will present plans for Baker Park flood mitigation project.
Parks and Rec will do the Q & A to determine what the project entails, maintenance, also if and how it will transform the use of park.

The public is invited.

Group to Advocate for Fix to Flooding Problems

2007-12-13T12:03:00.000-05:00

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Flooded Residents Join Environmental Group
to Advocate a Fix for Flooding Problems

Darien, Conn. [December 12, 2007] Spurred to action by 3 unprecedented floods within 7 months, flooded Darien residents met several times at the Darien Library to voice concerns and develop strategies. Vanessa Wood and Laura Giobi, instrumental in organizing residents, announce that they have joined an established Darien environmental group, Save Darien's Wetlands, shifting the group to focus on flooding.

Save Darien's Wetlands, Inc. was formed in 2001 by the late Lee Fingar of Darien as a neighborhood advocacy group to address water concerns. Mr. Fingar's death in July 2007 left the fate of the group uncertain. "We hope to expand the work that Lee began," stated Mrs. Wood. "Our vision is to go forward as an advocacy group for the water concerns that are plaguing several neighborhoods in Darien. Town government has come under heavy scrutiny this year. Examination is healthy. Under the watchful eye of its citizens we expect Darien will meet the challenge of dealing with water issues to create a new standard as a modern town."

The restructured group announced their goals:

Increase public awareness of options to decrease water danger and damage.
Advocate flood control solutions that will protect homes, businesses, and the environment.
Inform residents and businesses on government activity that affects Darien's Wetlands.

For more information, visit our website http://www.savedarienswetlands.org/.

First Walk Along Stony Brook

2007-12-12T17:58:00.000-05:00

Chris Noe organized a walk of Stony Brook last week. Saturday's walk was to look at the condition of the waterway and to note areas requiring clean up or dredging. Also the walk was to identify possible areas for water detention projects. Selectmen Callie Sullivan and Seth Morton attended, also in attendance were Alan Armstrong and Pete Kenyon from the Environmental Protection Commission (EPC) as well as past Darien commissioner Ralph Passaro. The walk lasted 2 hours to make the trek from Gorham's Pond to the Renshaw Road Bridge. One of the highlights was noting that the Old Kings Highway bridge is too small -- flood waters have been going over it rather than under it and flooding the road. Understanding the extent of the flooding and that the infrastructure can't handle it , goes a long way to finding solutions.

When the weather tames down, Chris will probably be organizing another walk to explore the brook north of Renshaw Road.