Changes OK'd to flood maps

The Town Council on Aug. 4 voted to make changes to existing flood maps, based on recommendations made by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

A public hearing was held Aug. 4 outlining some of the flood map changes near the Pequabuck and Quinnipiac rivers. The maps show areas in Plainville that are subject to flooding after a substantial rain. Town Manager Robert E. Lee said the changes were minimal and would not affect additional residents. Several residents showed up at the hearing to ask Lee if the map changes will affect residents being able to obtain flood insurance. Lee answered he thought the changes wouldn't.

At a previous meeting, resident Arthur Screen, who lives on Robert Street Extension near the flood-prone Pequabuck River, said he thought the town should have given better notice for the public hearing. Lee said the appropriate legal notice was published in area newspapers and posted at the Municipal Center.

Plainville resident John Kisluk, who spoke at the hearing Aug. 4, expressed concern that proposed changes to the flood maps would adversely affect residents and businesses. Lee said the impact will be minimal. 

The council decided to approve the changes to the flood maps. The Planning and Zoning, as well as the Inland Wetlands and Conservation commissions are three local land-use groups that are by design supposed to weigh in on any developments or buildings that could affect or impact flood zones or waterways.