Estates at 100 Oakland Road
Proposal to build 69 new homes for residents over 55 years old.
New Development Seeks to Clear a Mature Forest to Build 69 New Homes for Residents Over 55
On Wednesday, July 16, the South Windsor Inland Wetlands Agency held a public hearing on an application submitted by 90 Oakland Road Associates, LLC. The developer is seeking permission to fill 1,350 square feet of wetlands and replace 94 feet of stream bed with an engineered channel to accommodate a new bridge that would provide access to their proposed 69-unit 55+ housing development. The plan would also involve clearing 32 acres of mature forest to make way for the project.
The hearing drew a large turnout of South Windsor residents, the vast majority of whom voiced strong opposition. In fact, there were so many public comments—both in person and submitted in writing—that the Commission was unable to finish hearing them all. The hearing was continued until September 3rd to allow additional time for residents to speak.
Key Concerns Raised by the Public
Much of the opposition focused on the environmental impact of clearing a mature forest and filling wetlands, particularly on the wildlife that depends on this habitat for survival. In their application, the developer’s wetlands scientist claimed the forest is "degraded" due to invasive species and stated that no state-listed endangered species were found on or near the property. The report also argued that the project would "improve" the wetland corridor by adding landscaping, pollinator gardens, and engineered wetlands designed to support wildlife.
Neighbors who live alongside the forest challenged these claims with firsthand observations. Residents shared accounts of seeing black bears, bobcats, deer, foxes, coyotes, rabbits, turkeys, owls, hawks, bats, and at least 21 bird species, including Wood Thrush and Eastern Wood-Pewee—species widely recognized as indicators of healthy interior forest habitat, not degraded edges. As one resident put it,
“Wildlife don’t recognize property lines—the stream and forest are an active passage and breeding ground, not a backyard drainage ditch.”
Residents described the area as a wildlife corridor, allowing species to move safely between larger habitats. Wildlife corridors play a vital role in maintaining biodiversity by supporting feeding, breeding, and migration. Without them, animals are more likely to wander into roads or neighborhoods, increasing the risk of accidents and conflicts. Corridors also help maintain ecological balance by supporting pollination, seed dispersal, and pest control.
Several residents also raised concerns about stormwater management. Clearing 32 acres of forest and replacing it with roads, driveways, and homes would increase impervious surfaces, leading to more runoff. Some neighbors expressed fears that a planned retaining wall between the development and their properties could trap water on their land, increasing the risk of backyard flooding. However, a Wetlands Commission member clarified that issues related to drainage on neighboring properties fall outside the Commission’s legal scope and are not part of their review process.
Another resident pointed out the broader community health impacts, noting that trees filter the air we breathe, and removing large areas of forest could affect air quality and the town’s natural character.
A Community Conversation About Open Space
It’s clear that this proposal has sparked a broader discussion about the need to preserve South Windsor’s natural spaces. A large and organized coalition of residents has formed to oppose the project, and it’s likely this issue will remain at the forefront of community debate in the months ahead.
Amidst the concerns, one idea shared at the hearing stood out as a potential win-win solution: the Town of South Windsor could consider purchasing the property as open space.
South Windsor has a history of preserving open space for passive recreation, community gathering, and wildlife refuge. The town has previously allocated funds for this purpose and recently formed an Open Space Task Force to prioritize these efforts. Additionally, there is a referendum question on the upcoming ballot asking residents whether they support setting aside additional funds to purchase open space.
If the town were to purchase the 100 Oakland Road property, it could avoid a lengthy and costly battle between the developer and neighbors. The developer would still receive fair compensation for the land—without the need to spend time and resources on development—and, as an abutter, could enjoy the benefits of preserved open space in his own backyard. Neighbors would protect the forest habitat behind their homes, and the broader community would benefit from maintaining the pastoral character of South Windsor for future generations.
Your Voice Matters
If you have thoughts on this issue, please leave a comment on this post and consider sharing your opinions directly with the Wetlands Commission and Town Council the links below.