Zoning Board of Appeals (linked)

RECEIVED
JUL 25 2023
Planning & Development
Town of Waterford, CT
July 24, 2023
Dear Waterford Zoning Board of Appeals,
lam writing in regard to the variance request to allow construction of a single-family house on the
vacant lot of 4 Ridgewood Avenue.
The primary concern relates to the impact on Alewife Cove. Our family has owned and lived on
Ridgewood Avenue since 1954, with the 1* generation using Alewife Cove, the adjoining creek, and both
Ocean Beach and Waterford Beach land since the early 1920’s. Across these four generations, we have
seen changes to the ecosystem which have been disheartening: species in Alewife cove disappeared or
reduced; water quality compromised; changes in bird variety and population; and so forth. During this
time frame, environmental knowledge and awareness has grown and with this, protective measures and
action have occurred in communities across Waterford and New London with heartening results. It is
because of the progress gained for these wetlands that we now understand the significant role Alewife
Cove plays in the surrounding ecosystem. The negative impact from building a new residential house on
these wetlands is far reaching to this ecosystem, both during construction and in the years during its use.
Below are several points | hope will be considered in the decision-making process, perhaps providing
aspects to further examine.
1. 4 Ridgewood Avenue is regularly covered by water, either partially or completely. This occurs
during high tide and various times of the year regardless of tide. It occurs during storms and
hurricanes, with water rising up and over the street.
2. Negative changes to Alewife Cove’s habitat have been observed for decades, but examples over
the years to mediate and protect it have been successful. In fact, learning from past mistakes has
resulted in wisdom with local communities now dedicated to protecting these fragile wetlands,
as well as other wetlands across the State. The environmental context for building a single-family
home in 2023 is not the same as when the lot may have first been deeded, and only seems
irresponsible now.
The following are examples of actions being taken to protect Alewife Cove and highlight the
inappropriate nature of building a residence on the wetlands. The first two examples, along with
a prediction for rising sea levels, are also evidence that the water level in Alewife Cove is no
longer stable and to assume such when building a new residence on its edge is unfounded.
*There has been a periodic need for dredging when Alewife Cove and the creek’s depth
and water flow are not optimal for its health. In 1973 my grandfather and others worked with
Congress and the Army Corps of Engineers to initiate dredging in that area. Alewife Cove is home
to a plethora of species and the life of these creatures is far reaching. The Alewife Conservancy
and others are currently working again to assess this need.
*Along with the need to dredge Alewife Cove and the creek, there are other important
actions to save this fertile and critical ecosystem. One such effort has been to examine the
removal of a dam constructed above the cove which has prevented important functions such as
Alewife fish spawning. We are fortunate to have environmental organizations such as Alewife
#ZBA-23-5
4 Ridgewood Ave
EXHIBIT 17 y

Cove Conservancy to create a team of stewards to help protect and navigate what needs to take
place to keep Alewife Cove healthy.
* Ocean Beach seems to have acknowledged its impact on the Cove from the parking
lot, amusement rides, run-off, etc.; the addition of a dedicated nature path as a protective
border along the property and the water is one such change.
3. The process of construction on Alewife cove brings dangers to the habitat. The amount of
machinery, alterations to the land, etc. is exceptional, especially considering the small size of
land being developed and the large portion of it that is marsh quality. The addition of ahome
with its daily impact also brings danger to this habitat. To pretend that gardening, soil with
additives, fertilizers, non-native shrubbery, exterior cleaning regiments, etc. will not change and
impact these wetlands is ignorant. We know how fragile and important these wetlands are to
the larger ecosystem, something that may not have been understood at the time of the
Ridgewood Park development in the 1920's.
4. The lot at 4 Ridgewood Avenue has already had a potential negative impact on Alewife Cove.
There has been illegal dumping over decades. There are large pieces of asphalt and other debris
from what may have been the Ridgewood Park storm sewer project years back, or the
replacement of the bridge, or another source? To my knowledge, the owners have not taken
responsibility for this land and its oversight. Building a residence on this wetland is not the
answer.
Thank you for your time and careful consideration to the future of our Alewife Cove wetlands, _
Turner —
KL
8'Ridgewood Avenue f°
ISl- 520- 12S