Kristen Freeman

The meeting included a Public Participation segment where a resident voiced concerns regarding the vacancy and potential redevelopment of commercial properties, specifically mentioning the Price Shopper plaza and the Keeney building. The Town Planner addressed the status of the Keeney building and clarified that a State property mentioned is a record retention center. A key item was the public hearing for Petition TPZ-25-28, a site plan for a 41-unit affordable housing development, which was continued to February 25, 2026, following a request for postponement to allow the applicant time to prepare supplemental materials, including addressing concerns about sewer system connections raised by MDC. The New Business section focused heavily on required updates to zoning regulations due to new state legislation (HB8002), specifically mandating that regulations must allow for transit community middle housing development (2 to 9 units) by summary review in commercially zoned lots by July 1, 2026. Discussions detailed the complexities of setting bulk requirements, buffers, and addressing public health and safety concerns like noise and the need for sidewalks given the state mandate. The second major legislative topic covered changes to off-street motor vehicle parking requirements, generally prohibiting minimum requirements for residential developments unless units exceed 16, or for smaller developments within designated traffic mitigation districts, in which case developers can submit a parking needs assessment. Other legislative changes discussed included removing differential treatment for manufactured homes and changes to the protest petition threshold. Old Business confirmed the status of Petition TPZ-25-28.

The meeting focused primarily on a public hearing regarding Petition TPZ-25-26, a site plan approval request for a 41-unit rental apartment home development under CGS §8-30g (Affordable Housing Application) at 103 Louis Street. The applicant's team presented details on the development, which includes 13 affordable units reserved for those earning 60% or 80% of the area median income. Discussions covered site plan particulars, including utility connections, parking (96 spaces), landscape screening, stormwater management, and emergency vehicle access modifications, such as reducing the proposed hammerhead turnaround. Traffic impact analysis projected a minor increase in trips on Louis Street and Pascone Place, with proposed safety improvements including a crosswalk with a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB). Fire safety consultants confirmed compliance with relevant codes, though fire department access requirements were discussed relative to the building code applicability. Commissioners raised concerns regarding potential future traffic congestion, snow storage locations, the applicability of the 2024 affordable housing list, and marketing reach for affordable units. Due to unresolved technical points, including the need for updated plans incorporating design changes and clarification on specific regulatory interpretations, the Commission voted to continue the public hearing to the next meeting on February 11, 2026.

Key discussion points for the 5K Challenge planning included arrangements for refreshments (bottled water, donuts, bagels, fruit, oranges, bananas) and sponsorship confirmations from several entities like Saputo, DATA-Mail, and GEICO. The committee addressed ordering trophies and medals, finalizing prizes, engaging Platt Systems for timing services, and preparing for the opening of online registrations via Raceentry.com with specified tiered rates. Operational logistics involved coordinating with Police, arranging for a loudspeaker and starter horn, distributing homeowner notifications, confirming course and sponsor signage, utilizing library bathrooms, securing power, organizing race and road volunteers, arranging ambulance coverage, and determining water/table placement for Ashland Street. Further discussions involved arranging for a DJ, confirming the return of the Little Readers race (with Christine Shooshan in charge), planning for pothole remediation closer to the date, coordinating course traffic control, selecting potential t-shirt colors (possibly purple), and managing public relations efforts.

The agenda for the special meeting included the approval of minutes from the January 7, 2026 regular meeting. Key discussion items carried over from the previous meeting included the Welcome Letter initiative recognizing long-term businesses, the Passport Program (which is scheduled for continuation in 2026), the Hobby Odyssey concept to promote local businesses, and Town Branding efforts, noting difficulties related to social media presence. The New Business section planned for discussion on the Future Downtown Committee and a Town Planning Update. The Town Planning Update covered recent business changes, including the rebranding of Price Shopper to Market 32, a convenience store changing to a liquor store, and a request for a liquor license change to accommodate live entertainment at Prime Burger.

Key discussions included the Annual 2025 Blight Report, detailing the blight citation process, lien procedures, and statistics from 2025, including the remediation of two properties. The Council also addressed public comments regarding red light/speed cameras and senior housing rehab funds. Old business involved approving mid-year budget transfers from the Contingency account to various General Fund accounts and setting the schedule for two Public Hearings regarding the proposed 2026-2027 Budget. In new business, the Council accepted two resignations (Jonathan Galligan from the Economic Development Commission and Jerilyn Nagel from the Central CT Health District) and made several appointments to various boards and commissions. A significant portion of the meeting focused on a recommendation to clean up and consolidate the 63 committees listed on the town website by moving historical minutes to a searchable repository, potentially reducing the number of active committees. The Council also discussed proceeding with an RFP for Automated Traffic Enforcement Safety Devices (ATESD), focusing on vendor data privacy, liability, and operational policies. Council liaisons provided updates on the TPZ, Fire Department Building Committee, Parks & Recreation, and the CT K-9 facility tour. The Town Manager provided updates on snow removal operations, upcoming personnel changes, and the potential closure of a plaza on Berlin Turnpike.