After a quiet spring and summer, a revised development proposal has been submitted to the Middlebury Water Pollution Control Authority ("WPCA") and the Middlebury Conservation Commission concerning 124 Kelly Road and 1535 Straits Turnpike. Filed in late September, these applications outline plans for the construction of a large distribution center on the site. As detailed therein, the proposed warehouse would have a massive footprint, covering 171,600 square feet, which equates to nearly four acres. In addition to the distribution center itself, an expansive area around the building would be paved to accommodate approximately 46 tractor trailers and approximately 134 passenger vehicles. Finally, an access road from Straits Turnpike "suitable for tractor trailer traffic in two directions" would be built through Long Swamp Brook.
While the plan has changed, the concerns of Middlebury residents remain much the same:
- Additional traffic that would push Middlebury's already congested roadways past the breaking point
- Destruction of the natural environment and elimination of open space
- Negative impact on Middlebury property values
- Precedent that this project would set for future development of this type in Middlebury
- General rapid and unchecked growth of the Town
Additionally, the tractor trailer traffic generated by the proposed facility would produce unacceptable levels of noise and air pollution, particularly given that the site is directly adjacent to Memorial Middle School.
In light of these issues, we ask concerned Middlebury residents to join us in demanding that our elected and appointed officials stand with the community in opposing this destructive proposal. To that end, please consider reaching out to the following:
- Edward St. John (First Selectman) - firstselectman@middlebury-ct.org
- Jennifer Mahr (Selectman) - jmahr@middlebury-ct.org
- J. Paul Vance (Selectman) - jpvance@middlebury-ct.org
- Middlebury Water Pollution Control Authority - wpca@middlebury-ct.org
- Middlebury Conservation Commission - wetlandsoffice@middlebury-ct.org
Additionally, please consider joining the Preserve Middlebury email listserv to receive more frequent communications concerning proposed development at 124 Kelly Road and 1535 Straits Turnpike by emailing preservemiddlebury@gmail.com.
-Preserve Middlebury