What We Don’t Know is Just as Important as What We Do Know - Part One


Yesterday, I checked with the Planning Department for any new information in the Cherenzia file.  A letter arrived on August 15. Cherenzia has begun an archeological study on the proposed site at Greenhaven and Mary Hall roads.  It's not yet a report ... but it is an exciting beginning.  Connect to the documents under Loop Links.

        Two reports are missing from the Cherenzia application. One is an Archeological Study.  The second is an Environmental Assessment.  Each is missing for a different reason and the lack of these reports leaves us in the dark on two important topics.  

         First, are there important historic and archeological features on the Cherenzia site that should be considered before development goes forward?  Will the disturbance of the site lead to losses in endangered plant or animal species or put in danger such important natural capital, such as aquifers?  I contend that Planning and Zoning commissioners cannot make an informed decision on behalf of Town residents if they lack such important information.

        Today, I will discuss the Archeological Study.  Later this week, I will comment on the Environmental Assessment.

        According the Stonington Zoning Regulations (6.6.24), an Archeological Study is a required document.  Such a study must be included in an application for a Special Use Permit.  The regs are very detailed and outline how to determine the need for such a study, how to conduct such a study, who is qualified to do such a review, and who, besides the Planning and Zoning Commission, needs to see the report.

     
       Let’s start with “determination of need.”  The Zoning code states that an archeological report is needed if there are proximate “archeological or historical sites.”  Or if the “natural terrain features ... proximity to wetlands ...[or] rock shelters... [or] scientifically documented settlement patterns.”

        The property proposed for development by Cherenzia is adjacent to wetlands.  It is at a crossroad that connects a seasonal Indian fishing site along the Pawcatuck River (Stanton Weir Park) and an upland Indian deer hunting site at Barn Island. The site also contains a southeastern facing ledge favored by Indians for winter villages.  A similarly situated ledge farther south on River Road has been documented as an Indian village site. 

       Other village sites and burial grounds have been identified on the Davis Farm.  None of these “areas of interest” is more than two miles from the corner of Greenhaven and Mary Hall roads.

      On a walk around the Loop, you can easily identify these sites. Stanton Weir is the small parking lot and adjacent land on the left, just south of Mary Hall Road. The Indian village site is on the right as you walk farther south along River Road. Current owners place Adirondack chairs on the top of the ledge to get a better view over a small river cove. The Davis Homestead sits on a rise where the road name changes to Greenhaven.  
       According to the regs, archeological reports should be “prepared by a professional archeologist.”  A list of accredited professionals is maintained by the Connecticut State Historic Preservation Office.  

        The regs go on to explain that an Archeological Study should contain “an evaluation of impact ... on archeological sites and historic sites” along with a “description of measures ... to mitigate adverse impacts”  that may include “open space dedication, conservation easements ... relocation of buildings.”

       Copies of Archeological Studies shall be submitted to the Office of Connecticut State Archeology and the State Historic Preservation Office “for review and comment prior to close of any public hearing.  Comments received from state officials shall be incorporated into the public hearing records.”

         At the public hearing in June, a Commissioner asked Mr. Ligouri if Cherenzia had completed a study for the entire 58-acre site.  Mr. Ligouri seemed to admit that the current study was based on “only paper research” and that “no test pits” had been dug.  He also stated that Cherenzia was “willing to pay” and that the company “expects to do a survey.”

       And yet ... there is still no required Archeological Study in the file.