Town of Old Saybrook

This document is the 2026 Report of Findings by the Housing Task Force for the Town of Old Saybrook, detailing the progress and outcomes related to housing initiatives. It reviews the execution of the 2021-2026 Affordable Housing Plan, focusing on understanding housing needs for residents and the workforce, promoting diverse housing options like Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), combating homelessness, and addressing housing cost burdens. The report also addresses the implications of state legislative changes (Public Act 25-1) on future housing plans and outlines ongoing regional collaborations, while laying the groundwork for drafting the 2026-2030 Old Saybrook/Fenwick Housing Plan.

The commission reviewed and provided a favorable recommendation for the Public Works Garage application, which involves reconfiguring the existing facility and constructing additions for office and vehicle storage. Members appointed a representative to the Ad-Hoc RFP selection committee for a landscape architect for Saybrook Point. Additionally, the commission adopted the Housing Task Force Report of Findings for submission to the Board of Selectmen and engaged in a workshop regarding proposed amendments to subdivision and public improvement regulations, covering topics such as open space requirements, water protection, and landscaping. The meeting concluded with reports from the Resiliency Committee and updates regarding new Mixed-Use Middle Housing regulations.

The board met to discuss a request for a variance regarding a house construction project at 14 Sea Lane. The primary focus was to clarify whether the board would have reached the same decision regarding granted variances had it been known that the existing foundation and basement, which were represented as being retained, were instead demolished. The board confirmed that the retention of the foundation was a significant factor in their original decision, and discussed the implications of this deviation for potential zoning enforcement actions.

The commission held preliminary discussions regarding a proposed text amendment for a marine redevelopment zone at Ferry Landing Marina and a parking expansion proposal for the Katherine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center. Deliberations resulted in the denial of requested modifications to site plan conditions for the Hanford Common Residences project. Public hearings were held to amend zoning regulations for the Incentive Housing Zone and to comply with state legislation regarding mixed-use middle housing and the creation of parking management districts. Additionally, the commission approved annual gravel pit permit renewals and authorized a request for outdoor seating at a local business.

The board reviewed payroll updates for Town and Fire Department defined benefit plans, including participant counts and asset values. An overview of employee health insurance benefits and 2026 renewal rates was provided, noting premium adjustments and adjustments to retiree Medicare coverage. The investment advisor presented an update on market conditions, portfolio positioning, and pension plan performance relative to benchmarks. Additionally, administrative and governance updates were discussed regarding plan documents and investment policy statements, along with an announcement regarding the upcoming retirement of the Finance Director.