[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6556281,"mediaKeyId","3307999-a6192562a6fa3e6cd54a82a5c05410ba","parentId",3307999,"title","Votes at a glance: sign approvals, business occupancy approvals, denials and withdrawals","audioSeconds",958,"startMs",182000,"endMs",1140000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3307999-a6192562a6fa3e6cd54a82a5c05410ba&start=182&end=1140","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3307999-a6192562a6fa3e6cd54a82a5c05410ba/thumbnail_182000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6556281/Shelton-City/Fairfield/Connecticut/Votes-at-a-glance-sign-approvals-business-occupancy-approvals-denials-and-withdrawals","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6556281-22f2979959d66970449a74a6e712772c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174002&Signature=NP4HJILSLnsa7AUGNEX3YX~R5jv9uDevThEeOzONhde69QS5FTI~zeFlBKXGgtFs8eFxysZm2tc6zsh1hoLaTWo3doxzEDvcE7z8x2Qj9jeSv-3VPc6V5fYLmwgYCCAxbf2mBneI5m56QytTOzifWtvaq-snppc-xL3NjlfMXlSiR15qSEPF5FYl-91VObjnTP8kqUHWngxMVQF1FvjEXh~vWynkNbvV3y~YYCRcDCyljdFV-Vw-fLUjtXXnCgMloZWgQuMt3Fez9huDmr76YRXEq8u5NrGVdHyUjbHMJ4kcOMiNRYFuIfWGQTT5m9sYADJLuP2A6t2CgJeHhSABaQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Shelton, CT","date","2025-05-15T13:13:38Z","article","At its May 14 meeting the Shelton Planning and Zoning Commission acted on a series of administrative and development items with short public discussion. Key outcomes included unanimous approvals for five sign permit applications, one business occupancy approval contingent on required health licensing, an administrative denial without prejudice and acceptance of an application withdrawal.

Sign approvals
- T-Mobile, 494 Bridgeport Avenue: Approved; commission specified the monument sign must not be backlit and approved without backwiring. Motion moved by Commissioner Kelly, seconded by Commissioner Ticky; vote 6-0.
- 4 Hours and Balloons, 115 Ripton Road: Approved; zoning subcommittee asked for sign simplification and staff confirmation about business type. Motion moved by Commissioner Ticky, seconded by Commissioner Christiano; vote 6-0.
- Avanti Apartments, 1055 Bridgeport Avenue: Approved; sign slightly larger than regulation but acceptable to subcommittee. Motion moved by Commissioner Kelly, seconded by Commissioner Motto; vote 6-0.
- Square Peg Pizzeria, 320 Howe Avenue: Replacement sign approved. Motion moved by Commissioner Ticky, seconded by Commissioner Christiano; vote 6-0.
- Woodside Plaza (5 tenants), 7205 Bridgeport Avenue: Approved as a coordinated set of five tenant signs subject to enforcement of window merchandise/signage rules and individual tenant compliance; commission noted one tenant (nail salon) required time to replace custom blinds and one storefront had noncompliant window signage that must be corrected within the 30-day compliance period. Motion moved by Commissioner Amato, seconded by Commissioner Kelly; vote 6-0.

Business occupancy / use approvals
- Black Art Art Gallery / tattoo studio, 549 Howe Avenue (business occupancy): Approved contingent upon submission of the required health-department license and artist license to zoning staff. Motion to approve contingent on filing the health license was made by Commissioner Parkins and seconded; vote 6-0. Applicant stated operations will be by appointment and that he currently is the sole operator.

Other procedural actions
- Application 2501 (JNL Enterprise LLC, 74 Todd Road): With applicant not present and with the applicant’s counsel indicating major revisions would be filed, the commission voted to deny the current application without prejudice. Motion to deny without prejudice moved by Commissioner Kelly and seconded by Commissioner Cristiano; vote 6-0.
- Application 2503 (118 Armstrong Road LLC): Applicant submitted a withdrawal letter; the commission accepted the withdrawal. Motion to accept withdrawal made and seconded; vote 6-0.

Why it matters: The sign approvals and business occupancy actions are routine but affect streetscape appearance and the operating status of a downtown business. The denials and withdrawals reflect active docket management by staff and the commission.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","SPZC Regular Meeting - May 14, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Shelton Planning and Zoning Commission approved five sign applications, a business occupancy for a Black Art Gallery/tattoo studio (contingent on health licensing), accepted a withdrawal and denied one application without prejudice.","taxTitle","Shelton City, Fairfield, Connecticut","taxId",64126,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6556285,"Commission OKs Fountain Square concept for 100 apartments with 20 affordable units; public hearing to follow",209,6206000,6415000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3307999-a6192562a6fa3e6cd54a82a5c05410ba&start=6206&end=6415","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3307999-a6192562a6fa3e6cd54a82a5c05410ba/thumbnail_6206000.jpg","/articles/6556285/Shelton-City/Fairfield/Connecticut/Commission-OKs-Fountain-Square-concept-for-100-apartments-with-20-affordable-units-public-hearing-to-follow","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6556285-01cc76d5a30aaaa4e117da208aeecf0d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174002&Signature=Wum3QPUb28Jkdz3frmeiOcRUozu~xuSWvDStWvo3ClkCXePayJaSaEy0rOMktcH0xCmX2Z~28Uv~UelzB3fHO9vQuFwqLwTRQFcphLMBeViig6Wjr4~WtDJDiJS16hmRB9y09hgR2~q-H5mgDl8o7IfgmPQF~25IPFpjKkRbCk3sqnbMd3khS3XE3lEPxbQdXGP5~ltNdeuvitat6GItg947W3fZrp6AXyFtaJlYVXNELYa2xM78jyf7GlWDoUKwdBCvcFBmeD~mTkqz03LE40Pt3etJGIjnAs3j~N3C-WGUQcAIIySCp2GJyO6z6M1ZgDjiGSXGGQP~~41kp~VKwQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Shelton Planning and Zoning Commission on Wednesday approved in principle a revised Planned Development District (PDD) concept for the Fountain Square project at 801 Bridgeport Avenue and related parcels, allowing a 100-unit apartment development with 20 affordable units under Connecticut General Statutes 8‑30g.

The commission’s conceptual approval — which passed 6-0 — sets policy direction but requires the applicant to submit revised documents and triggers a public hearing on the specific PDD changes. Under the in‑principle approval the affordable component will include 20 units for 40 years under 8‑30g: 10 units at 80% of area median income (AMI) and 10 units at 60% AMI.

Additional conditions the commission recorded include replacement of a fence along Parrot Drive, and that parking ratios remain approximately the same as previously discussed (roughly 1.8 parking spaces per unit, reflecting earlier design talks). The motion also required the applicant to file an amended statement of uses and standards, an amended initial development concept plan and an amended final site development plan before the application advances.

Commissioner Cristiano moved the motion to approve the concept; Commissioner Kelly seconded. Commissioners conducted an initial discussion of the items and noted the amendments required by the motion will need to be publicly noticed and will require formal public hearing and review steps under the PDD process and 8‑30g state law.

Why it matters: The concept, if carried forward through plan review and public hearings, would add 100 apartments to downtown Shelton and reserve 20 units to meet statutory affordable‑housing terms under 8‑30g, a state statute that provides streamlined approval pathways for affordable housing in certain circumstances.

What’s next: The commission instructed staff to set a public hearing and to expect amended plan materials from the applicant. The commission’s conceptual approval does not authorize construction; it sets conditions that must be satisfied before formal approvals are granted.","Shelton commissioners voted 6-0 to approve in principle the Fountain Square mixed‑use plan for 100 apartments with 20 affordable units under Connecticut General Statutes 8‑30g, subject to amended plans, a public hearing, and specified conditions including replacement of a fence on Parrot Drive.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6556290,"Cease-and-desist issued after large clearing near Wells Hollow Brook; commission, conservation officials press for erosion controls",1682,4162000,5844000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3307999-a6192562a6fa3e6cd54a82a5c05410ba&start=4162&end=5844","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3307999-a6192562a6fa3e6cd54a82a5c05410ba/thumbnail_4162000.jpg","/articles/6556290/Shelton-City/Fairfield/Connecticut/Cease-and-desist-issued-after-large-clearing-near-Wells-Hollow-Brook-commission-conservation-officials-press-for-erosion-controls","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6556290-2ef2f8a74d8f1d3efe7d1832e384bcbe/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174003&Signature=K0FkU4t2556x50wBukS1jf4fhsZYE3prgFheX360e5KfoJogJFzy-93IH6FLwI8TJyDh9H~DDQGxxat2avDVEWJPq1NvHFrLqwUBg6mTjIgAyl21D2hsl-eBewHmWryqv-U8T9DXxgjnME-L1khHLiDp53puK8X9ayqnK~rtE8T~eMuWgHNfNC0RXEGVMGxRnWE6u00e~A4hOyQTwp40iKz7dYa-10g7dZuQ-5E~5mD9O0uQvObjJzNuYNt-6ukzBBd6CNcaW3zLOYGWMe4wDl6iFK69lIPmnNHA356WtCOQruCidpMxgqJZE19EbvTH2Fyzbx09j~SUckf7wmj8oA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Shelton zoning staff issued a cease-and-desist order on May 13 for earthwork and tree removal at the site proposed for a planned development district at Bridgeport Avenue and Long Hill Cross Road, a zoning officer told the Planning and Zoning Commission on Wednesday.

Ron Baez, Shelton’s zoning and wetlands enforcement officer, told the commission the order followed visible clearing and grading along Wells Hollow Brook that produced muddy water running downstream and prompted multiple complaints. “Yes. We did issue a cease and desist yesterday,” Baez said during the meeting, adding that staff and the applicant had discussed limiting work to installing a sewer line but that clearing on other parts of the parcel had continued.

Baez said staff met with the applicant and lawyers and agreed the developer would submit a soil-stabilization / erosion-control plan prepared by a soils scientist; the plan was to be routed to the developer’s counsel for forwarding to staff. He asked the developer to provide a status update by the end of the day Friday and said he expected the soils plan by the following Wednesday. Baez said the goal of any short-term work allowed while the matter is resolved would be to stabilize the brook and remove obvious debris without further disturbance.

Conservation Commission chairman Thomas Harbinson, who attended the meeting, said state rules require additional permitting once regrading or stump removal exceeds an acre. “Anytime that there is significant regrading of a property in excess of 1 acre, you're required to receive from the state of Connecticut DEP a stormwater discharge permit for construction,” Harbinson said. He told the commission he had checked the state e-file system and contacted state officials, who told him no construction stormwater permit had been applied for or issued for the site.

Harbinson and other speakers also noted the land’s status with the state Department of Transportation: state staff told the conservation chair the parcel had been offered to the city under a right of first refusal; if the municipality does not respond within the statutory period the DOT may proceed. Harbinson urged staff and counsel to confirm ownership and whether permits were sought on property the applicant did not yet own.

Commissioners and staff discussed enforcement levers, including calling the development bond and asking corporation counsel about raising the posted bond. Commissioner Kelly asked whether staff had considered increasing the bond; staff and the commission said they would discuss that with corporation counsel. Several commissioners said the commission could not reward what they described as premature or unapproved clearing and said swift stabilization was necessary to protect the brook and neighboring agricultural land.

Miss Castro (planning staff) told the commission the office had been coordinating with state agencies and that staff had requested the developer stop work; Baez reported the developer continued some activity after earlier requests, prompting the cease-and-desist.

Why it matters: Residents reported discolored water reaching downstream past occupied farmland, and conservation officials warned that the disturbance exposed soil that could discharge to the brook in heavy rain events. The episode raises unresolved questions about permit jurisdiction, the timing of property transfer, and the adequacy of the development bond to cover corrective work.

What’s next: Staff asked the applicant to submit a soil erosion / stabilization plan via counsel for staff review, requested a status confirmation by Friday, and said they will consult corporation counsel about whether to increase the posted bond or take additional enforcement action. No new construction will be permitted until the plan and any approvals are in place.

","Shelton zoning staff issued a cease-and-desist for clearing and grading near a brook at the Crown 0.2 LLC site on Bridgeport Avenue after residents reported muddy water and visible tree removal; staff requested an immediate soil-stabilization plan, and conservation officials say state stormwater permits may be required.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6556295,"Shelton commission approves text change to allow fitness centers in industrial zones",2048,1990000,4038000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3307999-a6192562a6fa3e6cd54a82a5c05410ba&start=1990&end=4038","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3307999-a6192562a6fa3e6cd54a82a5c05410ba/thumbnail_1990000.jpg","/articles/6556295/Shelton-City/Fairfield/Connecticut/Shelton-commission-approves-text-change-to-allow-fitness-centers-in-industrial-zones","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6556295-c8361856fb3c2950a78786c647e2e5f7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174003&Signature=HBdMuodS0uudD2T5-mP3n3EQB2uvDtyP2-6TxtZIYvUadLCrNMzq7r52ZA4rbsiaYa8bfwpwMlcOZZLb1N9m84XvoGwYV-3xfS1fx4~uLwy9rCG8OpfnAhyOSt11M6vBFKn2LwKGtgyNfGN4PdtNGwazxNXheTLgEoRVDBzeVsuoCohQNHNfKrEwIrg4d2i7h~R~fkHccUVdISsJUz83GBLMAoQvj4pLBd-oxXhvDqOcDOBaHM7hugXyJlvG0cCBUnELRF1anJpKoAHWoajRueai5Sq9ufwp6CGKn0enk9tcATHNyEnOlRYWmeXNxRoq10PKQM9XppSmaSVRkKcWXw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Shelton Planning and Zoning Commission on Wednesday approved a text amendment to permit fitness centers in selected industrial zones, voting 6-0 after a public hearing and edits to the draft language.

The change revises the definition of “fitness center” in section 5.14 of the Shelton planning and zoning regulations and adds the use to Schedule A (use line 16a) so fitness businesses may be permitted in I A 1, I A 2, I A 3, I B 1 and I B 2 areas through site plan review and any required special exception process.

Commissioners said the amendment is intended to give building owners more options for leasing underused industrial space and enable community-oriented fitness and training businesses to operate in larger, higher-ceiling spaces traditionally built for manufacturing. Applicant Jesse Serone, who runs a martial arts school in Shelton, told the commission he trains families, law-enforcement officers and children in town and said the change would “be a really good thing for the community and, for the building owners especially.”

The commission’s final text retained a range of typical fitness activities after discussion about wording. Attorney Dominic Thomas, who assisted the applicant on drafting, and commissioners recommended clarifying that the definition cover “activities” as well as equipment and that items such as tanning booths, sauna or steam rooms, limited retail sales (nutritional supplements and gym apparel) and nonalcoholic health drinks be expressly accessory to the fitness use.

Commissioners and staff also removed a catchall phrase that read “related sports activities” after members raised concerns it could be read to allow large indoor sports complexes (for example, full-size indoor fields) without additional review. The commission added a provision that any massage services included must be clearly accessory and an insignificant component of the fitness center, consistent with the city’s existing ordinance definitions.

A formal amendment motion — moved by Commissioner Cristiano and seconded by Commissioner Kelly — included the edited language and the companion change to Schedule A. After discussion and confirmation that the expanded language and schedule change were included, the commission voted 6-0 to approve the text amendment. The commission noted a future business would still need to submit a site plan for review and any required special exception or approvals.

Why it matters: Commissioners said the amendment could help reactivate vacant industrial buildings by creating a permitted path for a range of fitness-related enterprises while preserving the commission’s ability to review specific site plans for parking, traffic and other neighborhood impacts.

What’s next: The amendment takes effect after administrative processing. Individual fitness operators seeking to locate in industrial zones must file site-plan applications and meet the conditions of any future approvals.

","The Shelton Planning and Zoning Commission voted 6-0 to amend the zoning code to allow fitness centers in specified industrial zones subject to site plan review; the change was framed as a way to help reuse vacant industrial space and requires amended plans before businesses can locate there.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: sign approvals, business occupancy approvals, denials and withdrawals

Commission OKs Fountain Square concept for 100 apartments with 20 affordable units; public hearing to follow

Cease-and-desist issued after large clearing near Wells Hollow Brook; commission, conservation officials press for erosion controls

Shelton commission approves text change to allow fitness centers in industrial zones