By Sarah Opdahl
New Fairfield’s Zoning Commission unanimously agreed that retail sales of cannabis should not commence in the Town at this point. Though the topic is concerning to town officials and commission members for a variety of reasons, one weighty point is the fact that there is no way to limit the number of storefronts that would sell cannabis, if the owners were able to meet Zoning’s requirements. Commission member Ms. Jane Landers pointed out that a town’s look and feel can change with a large number of these stores, as evidenced in many small Massachusetts towns. With a one-year additional reprieve established, Zoning Commission Chair Mr. John Moran said, “we are in the process now of rewriting regulations” and the Commission will be “open to input on that.” There were vocal opponents in Town over the past year, including religious leaders.
The topic of a crosswalk on Gillotti Road at the high/middle school campus was introduced in public comment. Parents spoke in favor of the crosswalk and implored the Zoning Commission to support the addition, especially due to the excessive speed on the road. Parents noted their concern that forward movement had progressed on a crossing, but the work area was then covered up in late June. Zoning Commission members were quick to clarify that the parents were essentially singing to the choir. This Commission originally voted unanimously to deem a crosswalk was necessary, fully support its existence, and stressed no Certificate of Occupancy will be issued for the new high school without a finished crosswalk.
Vice Chair Mr. Kevin Van Vlack emphasized, “one of the primary charters of the Zoning board is public safety and welfare…whether it’s one child or 100 children that crossed the road, we need to make sure it can be done safely.” Moran said he understands the plans will include a crosswalk with a push-button mechanism to alert traffic that they need to stop for pedestrians. “So, when the kids get there they push the button and it begins to flash.” In addition, he encouraged residents to speak with the Board of Selectmen (BOS) regarding high speed and traffic management on the road. Further, Moran said that the status of the cross walk and vehicular traffic concerns about exiting the driveway should be brought up with New Fairfield’s Permanent Building Committee and the BOS.
Discussed at recent New Fairfield Board of Selectmen meetings, the particular crosswalk that was started also drew ire from the homeowners’ family whose property were impacted by it. Among their concerns were decreased property value and maintenance concerns. They also expressed fear that a sidewalk would follow.
Moran gave a brief update on the bus lot situation, saying “the litigation is still in litigation.”
He went on to say, “We met once. Nothing was solved in that meeting. So, now it’s back in the judge’s hands for the ruling.” He went on to note there are rebuttals volleying among attorneys. He was circumspect about timing, “we will get a ruling eventually.” The case is on the docket for early August, “It could be the start of it …the judge stated, when he met with us, [however] that whoever wins or loses can appeal it…that could be another year of litigation. It could go on for two more years.”
After some discussion, Commission members approved Aquarion Water Company’s plans to build a water treatment facility at 2 and 4 Biggs Road in the Ball Pond area. The Commission needs to review the landscaping plans again as the building nears completion. They are interested in there being plenty of vegetation to serve as a buffer. Though there were questions about whether a clapboard siding would be more appropriate than the industrial block that is planned, it was explained that the siding would not be as durable as the split-face block the company is planning to use. The block was described as having more longevity and less maintenance. In addition, the block was noted to provide additional security for the facility, given that this will be a critical building for water treatment.
Aquarion representatives stressed they are making a good faith effort to maintain all the natural vegetation and trees within the four-foot setback. Additionally, the building’s gable ends will be completed in hardy plank siding to make it look more ornamental and all trim on the soffits will be Apex, a type of trim that will help the building blend in with the neighborhood.
The Commission also approved ViBe Wellness’s site plan for Candlewood Kayak Rental at 249 State Route 39, which will be used for both kayak and paddleboard rentals. Members specified the boats should be placed in storage for the off season(s).
Zoning members talked about short term rental requirements and the need for all property owners with these rentals to complete permit applications by the first week in August. Letters are going out to residents to remind them of the need to complete the process. Neighboring Sherman is discussing creating a restrictive ordinance and the Commission will watch for the language in that.
The next regular Zoning Commission meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 2, 7:00 p.m.