WETHERSFIELD - A 20-lot subdivision proposal that prompted the Town Council to open a cul-de-sac portion of the purchased Wilkus Farm property was approved by the Town Planning and Zoning Commission (TPZ) last week.

       Developer Frank DiBacco, who owns the Back Lane parcel, got the go-ahead, along with waivers he requested for the stated purpose of wetlands protection and more efficient drainage.

       For DiBacco, who also holds controlling interest on a property just north of the Back Lane parcel, the approval of the application means taking the first step in development plans that span across both. At the first public hearing, he told the TPZ that he aims to connect the two subdivisions.

       DiBacco is paying property taxes on the next property, of which he owns seven of the 13 lots, but has been unable to develop it due to regulations mandating two entrances and exits.

       The opening of a cul-de-sac at the northern end of Old Reservoir Road--largely considered a public safety move by the Town Council, which approved it--was to be another factor considered in determining the outcome of DiBacco’s application. This will allow for another entrance/exit onto Old Reservoir Road, as well as for police, fire and ambulatory responders to better access to the Hawthorne Way neighborhood that sits across from Whippoorwill Way, Fire Marshal Anthony Dignoti told the Council.

       Currently, first responders travel the backroads around Whippoorwill Way and Apple Hill, adding up to a minute to their normal six-minute response times, Dignoti said. Emergency personnel could more quickly access the area going up Old Reservoir Road, he said.

       The Council, which heard from Whippoorwill Way and Apple Hill neighborhood residents concerned about traffic flow being diverted onto their streets, thought of tabling the decision to open up the cul-de-sac, but were advised by Town Manager Jeff Bridges to make a decision, since the TPZ would likely factor the result into its own discussion regarding DiBacco’s application.

       During the Council discussion, DiBacco told residents and councilors that development would not lead to him pursuing the opening of Old Reservoir’s southern end--the scenario of greatest concern for those in attendance. He said that such a move would be infeasible, given the amount of wetlands in that area.

       Among the TPZ’s considerations were whether or not to waive zoning regulations regarding road width. DiBacco had requested permission to provide a 24-foot right of way, down from the required 30 feet.

       His reason: The type of pavement material he would have to use for a wider street. He said that he is looking to minimize the amount of impervious material utilized for the purpose of preventing chemicals from running off with it into the grass and soil by allowing the street to drain more efficiently.

       DiBacco’s proposal also included waiving the mandate for a sidewalks on both sides of a neighborhood street and measures to eliminate overgrowth clogging a drainage swale on Westmont Road.