Newtown Planning & Zoning Commission (P&Z) reviewed an application for a zone change and an application for a special exception during its meeting at the Newtown Municipal Center on March 3.

The commission also reviewed three applications pertaining to a proposal for a two-story apartment building at 35 South Main Street, as detailed in “Applicant Returns To P&Z With South Main Street Apartment Plans,” published in The Newtown Bee on March 11.

First on the agenda was Application 22.01 by Area Cooperative Educational Services (ACES), for a Zone Change, for a property located at 63 South Main Street, so as to change the Zone from M-5 to Special Design District #11 (SMDD11) as detailed in documents submitted to the Land Use Agency February 14, 2022.

The only remarks made were by P&Z Chair Dennis Bloom, who requested to open and continue the application to the next public hearing.

All members of the commission were in favor, and the public hearing for Application 22.01 was continued to the next P&Z meeting on March 17.

Mixed Use Development

The P&Z also had a public hearing for Application 22.05 by Michael Burton, for a Special Exception, for a property located at 24 Glen Road, so as to permit a mixed used development within the Sandy Hook Design District, as described in documents submitted to the Land Use Agency dated received February 14, 2022, and the revisions as received.

Burton started off by announcing that this proposal is titled “Dayton Crossing” and will be his fourth project in Sandy Hook. His most recent work was The River Walk development on Washington Avenue that is a 74-unit apartment complex.

He feels his past projects, as well as this current proposal, help with the “revitalization” of Sandy Hook.

“The proposal calls for an existing building, which is on the property now, to be renovated and enlarged; and two additional buildings to be added onto the property. When it’s done, it will be a 50/50 split between commercial and residential,” Burton said.

He explained that the current house is an 1800’s Victorian-style home that he would like to preserve. He would like to put an addition on the back of it, though, to be more desirable for renters. He also plans for a restaurant to occupy the first floor and offices to be on the second floor.

Burton added that he is working with the Town of Newtown about developing the site next door in the future that is town-owned property at 28 Glen Road.

“One’s not relying on the other, but they could work together,” he said. Burton mentioned that he has not proposed a streetscape in front of the property.

Al Shepard, who is an engineer with Nowakowski, O’Bymachow, Kane & Associates (NOK) in Shelton, spoke next regarding the application.

He addressed some of the comments from the Town Engineer, including how parking details were added to the maps and that the plan is to have a catch basin in the driveway for the “low spot.”

Shepard discussed other features and said there is a “detailed galley system for storm water recharge on the property” and that the “site lines are excellent coming out of the property.”

“We are proposing an onsite septic system for the property,” he said.

The property is close to the sewer system, but it is not in the sewer district.

Shepard also noted that they will be on town water, the parking area allows for delivery trucks to be able to turn around, and that there will be more than two parking spots per resident.

P&Z alternate member Brian Leonardi asked if the townhome units are equally sized, which Shepard confirmed.

Leonardi then queried if the existing structure has tenants in the building and was told there is currently a chiropractor practice.

Leonardi also asked about the design of the retaining wall. He was told by Kevin Bennett, architect with Bennett Sullivan Associates of Southbury, that he does not believe they have finalized the tapered wall.

P&Z member Roy Meadows asked if there will be any restrictions, such as age or income, for the apartments.

Burton said they would be “market value” apartments.

Public Participation

Sandy Hook resident Mary Colon started off by saying that she understands the files are available at the Land Use Department, but that it would be nice to see the plans during the meeting.

She said restaurants are great, however, she is concerned with loud noise from early morning trucks and if they would have the ability to turn around.

“I have a lot of questions, but since I am only hearing about this for the first time … that’s basically it for now,” Colon said.

P&Z decided to continue the public hearing to their next regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, March 17.

For more information about Newtown Planning and Zoning Commission and upcoming meetings, visit newtown-ct.gov/planning-zoning-commission.

Reporter Alissa Silber can be reached at alissa@thebee.com.