COMMENTS FROM

THE SHELTON PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION

SHELTON, CONNECTICUT

 

Re:    McCallum Enterprises, LLP: US Army Corps of Engineers Permit Application

          File Number: NAE-2007-1702

          Shelton Canal located at 305 Canal Street, Shelton, Connecticut

 

Date: January 11, 2008

 

The Shelton Planning and Zoning Commission at their January 8, 2008 meeting received and reviewed the Application of McCallum Enterprises, LLC for the discharge of 45,000 cubic yards of fill over a 2.5 acre area in the Shelton Canal, a diversion of the Housatonic River to facilitate the reuse/development of said area. Based on this review and their inspection of the site the following comments and observations are provided:

 

1.The subject property is immediately adjacent to the Shelton Riverfront Development, a

   multi-phased 600 dwelling unit mix-use redevelopment of the upper Canal Street

   area. This area was recently rezoned from a heavy industrial zone to a Planned

   Development District. This zone change was accomplished after a public hearing and

   receiving community input to allow the revitalization and reuse of a former industrial

   complex along and adjacent to the Housatonic River in Downtown Shelton. (see   

   attached Resolution dated 2/12/07)

 

2. McCallum’s canal and river lock structures are significant historical elements

    associated with the former “industrial revolution era” industrial complex of Canal

    Street and Downtown Shelton. These structures must be permanently protected and

    preserved. As part of the Shelton Riverfront Development noted above, a public open

    space area will be created along the southerly side of the riverlock to accommodate the

    pedestrians using the proposed Riverwalk along the river’s edge. This only reinforces

    the need to protect these two important structures on the McCallum’s property.  The

    city’s vision statement for downtown reads as follows: “to guide the transformation of

    Downtown Shelton into an attractive, pedestrian-friendly, vibrant, multifunctional

    center of activity for the entire City. The emphasis will be on providing an adequate

    supply of quality housing, strengthening the retail/service market potential, attracting

    new, downtown commercial development serving the community, that provides job

    opportunities and contributes to the economic base of the City, and expanding

    recreational opportunities focused on the riverfront while protecting and preserving

    historic structures including canals, factory buildings and the riverlock.”

 

 

 

3. Shelton’s 2006 Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD) identifies this

    property as “open space, agriculture or constrained land” in the Future Land Use Plan.

    The city has determined that this parcel contains significant environmental constraints

    That represent the highest priorities for conservation. The Plan also recommends the

    preservation of historic resources to preserve Shelton’s History and protect community

    character. (see attached copy of POCD)

 

 

 4. The State of Connecticut’s 2005-2010 Conservation and Development Plan (C&D

Plan) categories this property as “Preservation Area” in the Locational Guide Map. The state has identified this property as having “a significant resource, heritage, recreation and hazardous areas of statewide significance and advocates its protection by public and quasi-public agencies in their planning and investment decisions. Avoid support of structural development except as directly consistent with the preservation values.” (see attached copy of C&D Plan)

 

 

Based on the findings noted above the Shelton Planning and Zoning Commission strongly recommends the Disapproval of the proposed filling project and further recommends that the Army Corps of Engineers base this decision of the need to permanently protect and preserve the historical and cultural values of the canal and riverlock structures.