In 2023, back country Greenwich resident Dr. Michael Goldstein, an Ophthalmologist and healthlaw attorney, was cited by Greenwich’s Wetlands and Watercourses Agency.
He received a violation for bringing 16,000 cubic yards of fill to a slope adjacent to a wetland area and stream on his property.
In all, more than 1,000 truckloads of dirt were brought in, enough to fill about an acre.
Much of the fill was placed in the Upland Review Area, an area adjacent to wetlands.
The Agency noted in their August 2023 minutes that the fill was coming down the unstable hill quickly, and that the Goldsteins removed an unknown quantity of trees from the slope.
Director of Environmental Affairs, Beth Evans, urged that the fill be stabilized to prevent further erosion and lessen the risk to the wetland and stream. She noted that the fill went right down to the edge of the wetland and Converse Pond Brook, a tributary the Byram River.
Consultant Tony D’Andrea representing Goldstein, acknowledged the slope had become unstable, and said trees were buried in so much fill they would not likely survive.
At the time, Wetlands vice chair Elliot Benton described the violation as, “egregious.”
Ms Evans referred to “a tremendous amount of fill.”
This Friday Evans confirmed Goldstein’s violation was still outstanding.
On his part Goldstein has said bringing in the fill without permission was an honest mistake, and that he would remediate.
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At the time he said he believed many people who have properties in the Upland Review Areas – areas that are adjacent to, but not in wetlands – were unaware they needed permits to even remove a tree.
Last October, the Wetlands Dept issued a news flash via the town email urging residents to check with staff to see if permits are required before proceeding with work involving ground disturbances.
Photos prepared by Rocco V D’Andrea Inc of Goldstein’s property at 10 Sandy Lane
Photos prepared by Rocco V D’Andrea Inc of Goldstein’s property at 10 Sandy Lane
The entire episode might not have come up again but for Goldstein’s March appointment by First Selectman Fred Camillo as an alternate on the town’s Conservation Commission.
The appointment was included in a widely distributed email last week.
The Conservation Commission* is in charge of planning and management of the town’s natural and cultural resources.
Unlike with nominations to other boards and commissions, the First Selectman is enabled by state statute to appoint members to the Conservation Commission.
First Selectman Camillo’s appointment requires neither the approval of the Board of Selectmen or the RTM.
Though appointed as an alternate, when he is seated, Goldstein has all the powers and duties of a member of the Commission.
An elected member of the 230-member RTM, Goldstein is on the Health & Human Services Committee. Many remember his opposition the gas leaf blower proposal December 2023. The seasonal ban passed in Jan 2024 when the RTM restored the town’s noise ordinance and included an amendment to prohibit gas powered leaf blowers in summer months.
Dr. Michael Goldstein waiting to speak before the Appointments Committee. Tuesday, Sept 12, 2023
In 2023, Goldstein sought a spot on the board of the town owned Nursing Home, The Nathaniel Witherell, but was met with opposition based in part on his stance on vaccines. The nursing home’s Family Council took the rare step of writing an open letter to the RTM saying Goldstein was unqualified. The RTM rejected Goldstein’s nomination in a vote of 105 No; 85 Yes; 3 Abstain.
Dr. Goldstein in 2022 addressing the RTC at Greenwich Town Hall.
Goldstein has run twice for Congress. In 2022 he lost a Republican primary to former Darien’s Jayme Stevenson. In 2024, he lost his challenge to incumbent Democrat Jim Himes in Connecticut’s 4th Congressional District.
On Friday, several Conservation Commission members declined to comment on whether Goldstein’s appointment might represent a conflict, given his outstanding Wetlands Agency violation.
On Friday, Goldstein responded to a question about his remediation work to address the violation.
“We need approval by DPW to proceed and have submitted the required documentation. Once they sign off we can get a building permit and begin construction.”
“The wheels of government work slowly. I am anxious to get this over with,” Goldstein added. “I am sure you will present me in the worst light possible.”
*The Commission is an advisory board established by local ordinance. Connecticut General Statutes allow municipalities to establish Conservation Commissions, if they so desire, in Chapter 97 Section 7-131a.
See also:
Greenwich Wetlands Agency: Goldstein Must Address 16,000 Cubic Yards of Unauthorized Fill January 2024
Montanaro: Infinitely Qualified Dr. Michael Goldstein will get The Nathaniel Witherell back on track Sept 2023
Opposing Views on Two Nominees for Nathaniel Witherell Board of Directors Sept 2023