During a recent town council meeting, discussions centered on critical issues regarding sewer capacity and the implications for local redevelopment. A council member highlighted discrepancies between the town's actual sewer usage and its statutory capacity, noting that the town is currently exceeding its statutory limits as dictated by Connecticut regulations. This situation raises concerns about the potential for future redevelopment projects, as the document under review fails to adequately address the ability to utilize the available capacity across the entire sewer system.
The member emphasized the importance of referencing a comprehensive sewer capacity study conducted by AECOM, which is expected to provide clarity on these issues. They also pointed out that the sewer map included in the document is vague and suggested incorporating a more precise version from January 2018 to avoid confusion regarding properties within the Sewer District.
Additionally, the introduction of a proportionality concept in zoning discussions was welcomed, as it could facilitate broader rezoning efforts rather than isolated spot zoning. This approach is seen as essential for establishing a transit zone that could accommodate future growth.
Another speaker, Joe Paulo, expressed concerns that the draft of the Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD) may be advocating for rapid changes without sufficient consideration of the community's capacity to adapt. He noted that the term \"developed\" appears frequently throughout the document, suggesting a strong emphasis on development that may not align with the town's current needs or infrastructure capabilities.
The meeting underscored the need for careful planning and consideration of existing resources as the town navigates its future development strategies.