Home Depot is trying to build a monument to itself on the top of a hill in Windham, Connecticut, in an environmentally-sensitive location. Here’s a report from local sprawl-busters: “Home Depot has proposed a store just east of WalMart on Route 6 in North Windham, CT. The approximately 6.5 acre footprint (building & parking lot) does not include development of additional out-parcels for stores/restaurants. The site is on a hill above a sensitive and uncommon type of wetland known as an Atlantic White Cedar swamp or bog. There are also vernal pools on the site. Drainage from the site is to be routed to a retention basin the outlet of which is less than 100 feet from the swamp. The vernal pools will be saved but the upland habitat for the creatures who use them for breeding will be replaced by the store and the parking lot. Atlantic White Cedar is particularly sensitive to changes in hydrology and water quality. There is at least one species of special concern, Henry’s Elfin, a butterfly, found in the bog. In addition, the bog and much of the surrounding land has been nominated as an international important bird area under a program sponsored by National Audubon.The application has been dragging through Inland Wetlands since April with the final (probably) hearing on Thursday, September 12th, 2002 in the Windham Town Hall. The first zoning hearing was Thursday, August 29, 2002. Elected officials are behaving as if they really want this and think it will bring the town additional tax revenues.”
Home Depot plans to build a tunnel for the salamanders to use to get down to the bog. Some residents would rather leave the salamanders alone, and build a tunnel for Home Depot to make its way back to Atlanta. For more background on this Windham battle, contact Jo Ann Reynolds at [email protected]
