Date: Fri 10-Sep-1999

Publication: Bee

Author: ANDYG

Quick Words:

Sandy-Hook-Laudermat-P&Z

Full Text:

Sandy Hook Laundermat Gets P&Z Approval

BY ANDREW GOROSKO

Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) members have approved a development

project intended to help revitalize Sandy Hook Center with the construction of

new businesses and residences.

Builder Michael Burton, doing business as Pootatuck Properties, LLC, September

2 gained a special exception to the zoning regulations to build a laundromat,

store and five apartments at 102 Church Hill Road. The town now has no

coin-operated laundry.

P&Z members approved the project in a 4-to-1 vote, with Chairman Daniel

Fogliano, Stephen Koch, Heidi Winslow and James Boylan voting in favor, and

Michael Osborne opposed. Mr Osborne voiced concerns about the accuracy of

mapping and the ownership of land near the Pootatuck River which is to be

donated by the applicant as open space for passive recreation.

In reviewing the proposal, Mr Koch expressed concerns that the planned

laundromat could become a magnet for loiterers. He said the P&Z should take

steps to prevent that from happening.

Toward that end, P&Z members limited the hours of the business from 6 am to 10

pm daily.

The town's Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA) has endorsed a sewer

connection for the project, a local requirement for laundromats.

At a July public hearing, P&Z members received 193 letters of support for the

project from area residents.

At that session, several residents questioned the need for a laundromat, while

others endorsed the construction plans, saying a laundromat will be a useful

addition to town because residents must now leave town to use a laundromat.

Bill McAllister, the acting president of the Sandy Hook Organization for

Prosperity (SHOP), has said there are many septic system failures in Sandy

Hook, resulting in the need for a laundromat where laundry can be done without

environmental consequences. Having access to a laundromat can provide an

environmentally-sound laundry alternative for families living along Lake Zoar

who have failing septic systems, according to Mr McAllister.

Sandy Hook lakeside communities with failing septic systems include

Cedarhurst, Pootatuck Park, Riverside, Shady Rest and Great Quarter.