Dan Colton

The meeting involved the election of officers, including the chairman, vice chair, and secretary. The primary agenda item involved a public hearing concerning application number 25-321-Z at 255 Oldfield Road (Gainfield Farms Golf Course), seeking approval for a modification to the site plan to construct a new 12x24 ft storage shed for golf carts and winter storage items. The Board discussed that this was a modification to an existing special exception and voted to approve the proposed shed location, which conforms to setback requirements, contingent upon filing subsequent zoning, building, and fire marshal applications. The Board also addressed the potential to approach a former member regarding an alternate seat vacancy.

The meeting addressed new business, specifically a site plan modification request for 1450 Southford Road concerning the change of use from a B&B commercial zone approved use for Happy Days adult daycare to Happy Days Creative Art Centers, setting a public hearing for December 9, 2025. The commission also received reports from subcommittees. The affordable housing subcommittee reported on delegating questions in preparation for an educational forum and noted participation in the regional plan of conservation and development meetings, specifically one concerning affordable housing in Cheshire in December. The streetscape review subcommittee reported on a joint site walk with the economic development commission to identify areas for low-effort, high-impact beautification efforts, including potential mural locations and collaboration with community partners like garden clubs and arts organizations. Discussions also covered crosswalk beacon improvements on Main Street, which is owned by the town. Finally, administrative matters included approving the minutes from the October 21, 2025, regular meeting and discussing procedural steps related to recent commission elections to reappoint members to fill expired terms.

The meeting addressed several applications, including Application 1770 which was accepted for scheduling a site visit. For Old Business, Application 1762 involved seeking permission to remove a dead tree and root ball floating in the Pompag River that was undermining a dock structure. Discussion focused on requiring prior permit approval from First Light Power Company, the land owner for that section, before issuing local authorization. Furthermore, Application 1769, concerning West Gilbert Road, involved proposals for installing a culvert crossing for future residential development and creating a switchback access path to the First Light portion of the property, including dock installation. Concerns were raised regarding the steep slopes, the necessary fill material, and the lack of detailed flood plain information and grading plans for the access path, leading to the consideration of tabling the application until more information is provided.

The meeting included a public hearing regarding a site plan modification for 1450 Southford Road. The applicant requested to change the approved use from Happy Days Adult Daycare to Happy Days Creative Arts Center, clarifying that the services offered would include senior social activities (arts, crafts, music) and various arts and crafts programs for children and adults, while maintaining a social model without medical support. Following the hearing, the Commission addressed a second item: a site plan modification for 2120 River Road South for the Connecticut Utility District to relocate existing generators and a fuel tank to outside concrete pads and scrap the old equipment. The relocation project includes drainage improvements. The Commission voted to approve both the site plan modification for the creative arts center, contingent upon final approval of signage, and the generator relocation project.

The primary agenda item was an appeal concerning a Notice of Violation issued for a shade structure located at 92 Glenn Lane, South Berry, Connecticut, which was cited for violating required property setbacks. The property owners argued that the structure, which serves as a neighborhood gathering area, should not be classified as a permanent structure because it is fully supported by wheels and is thus mobile, referencing the zoning regulation stating that anything with wheels is not a structure. The proponents emphasized the structure's role in community enrichment, providing a safe, accessible space for children and elderly/handicapped neighbors, especially given the hilly terrain. Legal counsel advised that board discussions regarding the merits of the appeal should occur after closing the public hearing. Questions arose regarding the definition of a 'trailer' versus a 'structure' based on the presence of wheels.