nothin New Haven Independent | IWC Approves New Subaru Dealership

IWC Approves New Subaru Dealership

With Permission

Plans for a new Premier Subaru dealership were unanimously approved by the Inland Wetlands Commission (IWC) Thursday.

The commission also continued to discuss the use of third-party consultants, including the ability of staff to communicate with consultants when projects are brought before the commission.

Subaru Hopes to Expand

Bob Alvine, president and general manager of the dealership, told the Eagle that he hopes to begin construction in the spring if all the approvals are complete.

The plans will now go to the Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Commission for their review.

The new dealership, pictured at top, would include a large service drive-through lane, express service, more than 30 service bays and a Subaru heritage museum. It would be built on two lots across the street from the existing dealership at 150 N. Main St.  Two buildings at 155 and 165 N. Main would be torn down and replaced by the new facility.  An office building at 175 N. Main St. would remain. Alvine told the Eagle that no decision has been made regarding the current dealership building after the new facility opens.

The IWC public hearing began in November and concluded Thursday.  Michael Harkin, of Harkin Engineering in Killingworth, presented the commission with additional information that was requested last month. Discussions during the hearings centered on the wetlands at the rear of the properties, and plans for the stormwater drainage system. On Thursday, Harkin described plans for snow stockpiling and removal.

“I think the applicant has addressed the previous concerns,” said Peter Bassermann who chairs the IWC.

Alvine also owns Premier KIA of Branford; and Subaru and Volvo dealerships in Watertown. The former Dodge dealership at 205 N. Main St. was recently renovated for the new home of the Kia dealership.

Third-Party Consultants

Diana Stricker Photo

The issue of third-party consultants has been under discussion since Bassermann raised the issue in September. 

Questions about the use of consultants arose during the IWC public hearings last spring for the proposed 44-acre Costco commercial complex at Exit 56. Costco eventually withdrew the application for various reasons, including their questions about the use of third-party consultants.

Bassermann said Thursday it’s important to have standard practices for working with third-party consultants when additional expertise is needed. The idea is to make it clear for any applicant,” he said. A draft of the proposed practices will be sent to the town attorney for approval.

Diana Stricker Photo

Commissioner Suzanne Botta said consulting engineers often use language that is technical but could be problematic legally, so the staff needs to be able to work with them to make revisions. When the staff does a language adjustment, I think that’s appropriate,” she said, adding that the staff has training in these issues. I don’t wish to tie the hands of the staff,” Botta said.

Bassermann said it’s important for staff and consultants to communicate. Clearly staff and the constants have to have conversations on technical issues,” he said, adding that he thinks this type of communication was misinterpreted” on previous occasions

Bassermann also addressed a question raised by commissioner Merle Berke-Schlessel, an attorney, who was absent Thursday. She previously stated that an IWC commissioner who offered expert testimony during a hearing should not be able to deliberate and vote.

Bassermann said there is case law supporting the practice of commissioners with expertise taking part in deliberations and decision-making.

Attorney Carolyn W. Kone, a land use attorney with Brenner, Salzmann & Wallman LLP in New Haven, said commissioners must declare their expertise before or during a hearing. Kone’s law firm, along with attorney Bill Aniskovich, represents the town. She said the law requires an applicant to be informed of the commissioners’ areas of expertise.

Botta said the IWC has made it a practice for years to enter their expertise and background into the public record for hearings.
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