On Wednesday, May 7, New Fairfeld’s Zoning Commision had a lengthy discussion regarding meeting minutes, with a member concerned that, though thorough, they were becoming too in-depth. Commission members agreed to ask the secretary to pull them back. Mr. Tomas Kavaliauskas reminded fellow members, “when we did our training, the attorney advised that our minutes should be basic, and I’m just worried that there’s a lot of information in the six pages.” He went on to point out, in addition to being more difficult to verify, the typed minutes represent the record, are voted on, and have precedence over the audio.

Zoning members welcomed new alternate Mr. James Kingry, who said he is excited to be involved. He shared that he is an attorney and he has lived in New Fairfield for three years.

Commission members approved an application for an in-home bakery on Sunswept Drive. A public hearing will be held at the June 4 Zoning meeting regarding the plan for the bakery business, which it was said will be in full compliance with state and local bakery laws.

Zoning Enforcement Officer Mr. Evan White had a long list of enforcement actions and violations to share that included illegal multi-family homes, an illegal dog kennel, and problems with stormwater management at homes that are installing a pool and have brought in too much fill. There continue to be issues with campers at the property that was recently identified as having a cat-hoarding situation. Plus, there is a home with over 30 chickens and roosters, which is  against regulations.

White gave an update on Mountain View Cemetery, which is in violation with excess amounts of fill, grading, and regrading of earth material, loam, and soil. The fill was moved to this location from the New Fairfield High School project, but no permits were  filed and it far exceeds limits. He went on to remind Commission members that the cemetery “reached out to the state Health Department to go for a crematorium, which needs…special permit approval to go forth which they do not have.”

A new Indian restaurant at Heritage Plaza, where Subway was previously located, was also noted to be in violation, as they have not applied for any special permits. White explained that  restaurants “must go forth with a special permit approval through the Zoning Commission, as well as health approval and inspections with our newly hired food inspector,” and at this point they “have not even reached out to our land use department.” He has had contact with the restaurant manager and hopes that they will get the process started soon, as it can take approximately two months.

The next regular New Fairfield Zoning Commission meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 4, 7:30 p.m.