[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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",6462412,"mediaKeyId","5809596-da5e4614ab17ad045e8589248242ec50","parentId",5809596,"title","Planning staff reports zoning rewrite delay, CDMRA zone work and draft waterfront plans including potential boat-launch move","audioSeconds",449,"startMs",3347000,"endMs",3796000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5809596-da5e4614ab17ad045e8589248242ec50&start=3347&end=3796","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5809596-da5e4614ab17ad045e8589248242ec50/thumbnail_3347000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6462412/Norwich/New-London-County/Connecticut/Planning-staff-reports-zoning-rewrite-delay-CDMRA-zone-work-and-draft-waterfront-plans-including-potential-boat-launch-move","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6462412-3bf71def0752b0881e7f12f931e14748/orig.mp4?Expires=1771196630&Signature=WNV1Bysmt8lFieYHNbpBaPFjRnY0fnh-lzppdVS38a6Zw2DGf-QqgnYo0Fn79fFBRy0rVGZfowIpz121ck0OjNQCrBjOfdvjzEBpKb5JCJqjG-MzBqMymPoR5gFbQXjd~ZSPGxmQeP7IfOp2KEO0w-oy5X8zrxA7QKTwLeI0yVFcwb8cZLC5W4aQhwpyUAxfimN2hhBCxlEII3HT7VTIW7pYzq4vC8TtssDcZurkilfUKwbY1UCwv2zFu9dcW08Y-6VIVF~p2ez5XlOmwW86XfDfWv7cFslGRTajYuRhWc7a3tnJG-s~TGU3a6zSi7hV2Z0k1KgNuXT3ZXd9wL3OeA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Norwich, CT","date","2025-09-22T15:22:18.217Z","article","Planning staff updated the Norwich Commission on the City Plan on Sept. 16 about several ongoing planning initiatives: the city’s zoning-regulation revisions, work on a Connecticut Municipal Redevelopment Authority (CDMRA) zone, and a waterfront planning effort that includes a proposal to relocate Brown Park’s boat launch to the viaduct parking lot.

Staff said the full zoning rewrite will not reach the city council before December as earlier hoped and that staff capacity constraints (including an administrative resignation) have slowed the schedule. Staff presented an outline for a CDMRA/municipal redevelopment zone around the downtown transportation center intended to unlock redevelopment funding programs similar in concept to an opportunity or enterprise zone.

On waterfront planning, staff described a preferred alternative under a CIF grant in partnership with the Norwich Community Development Corporation. The concept discussed would move the public boat launch from its current Brown Park location to a new ramp in the viaduct parking lot, add parking and trailer maneuvering space, expand green space and add amenities such as an elevated band stage, improved canoe/kayak launch points and a multi-use ice/splash loop where mini-golf existed. Staff noted substantial permitting would be required if the boat-launch relocation moves forward and that negotiations with private property owners regarding potential pedestrian/trail connections remain unresolved.

Staff emphasized these were planning concepts and that many items (permitting, state approvals and easements) still require negotiation. Commissioners asked questions about traffic and parking impacts, canoe/kayak launching and easement negotiations with private landholders. Staff said the proposals are intended to increase waterfront public space and improve pedestrian and bike connections downtown.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","2025-09-16 Commission on the City Plan","oneSentenceSummary","City planning staff reported delays to the zoning regulations rewrite, presented an outline for a municipal redevelopment (CDMRA) zone around the transportation center, and described a preferred waterfront plan that could move Brown Park boat launch to the viaduct parking lot and expand park amenities.","taxTitle","Norwich, New London County, Connecticut","taxId",4639,"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},6462415,"Commission recommends approval of use variance to convert vacant nursing home at 60 Crouch Ave to 45 one-bedroom apartments",600,2720000,3320000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5809596-da5e4614ab17ad045e8589248242ec50&start=2720&end=3320","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5809596-da5e4614ab17ad045e8589248242ec50/thumbnail_2720000.jpg","/articles/6462415/Norwich/New-London-County/Connecticut/Commission-recommends-approval-of-use-variance-to-convert-vacant-nursing-home-at-60-Crouch-Ave-to-45-one-bedroom-apartments","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6462415-46b0980c345e944878fe274aa69a171e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771196630&Signature=aXkOna1T-0DYduJCYTTRpcfgjjAMePsSjgxTgz7PrC89ZuynEHZDnK7Wrr6HcWpBlaz3MUSVMavEqxAiwk2~FDJ2lR1jbv0r0BN5YTY7XERjxSTbPyT4lMkXW0AlAjteLpRpn6wgUI9zecd7~5-fachDpiEaru6bTX3lfry8-TN4YKrS2ErSC~wOpC7I0BhmppY8SOhLbKjZl8Oa8VRL2GRO3ox6I38U1bCXMgIIeG3TQR93z1D34HR~RbcF-es~2CxrggZACREmhvbB4jrNKGT3DYHbMhRb0RQPfcrD0wCWCzsLVhkFB3tnfD93ynWyMO3kDn8BkqtZCnDn9TJFkQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Norwich Commission on the City Plan on Sept. 16 voted to give the Zoning Board of Appeals a favorable recommendation on a use-variance application to convert the vacant former licensed nursing home at 60 Crouch Avenue into a 45-unit one-bedroom multifamily building.

Richard Shook, the zoning enforcement officer, submitted a staff referral explaining that public act 24-143 (codified at Connecticut General Statutes §8-2r) streamlines conversions of vacant licensed nursing homes in many municipalities, but Norwich operates under a special-act charter and is therefore not required to follow that statute. The applicant has volunteered to adhere to the multifamily (MF) district standards should the variance be granted.

Shook’s memo noted the proposed reuse involves no substantial building expansion, would provide 45 one-bedroom units and exceed the multifamily-zone minimum parking requirement (34 spaces required; 53 provided). Staff recommended that, if the ZBA grants the variance, the project proceed to site-plan review under the MF standards the applicant has offered.

Commissioners moved and seconded a positive referral to the ZBA. Commissioner comments and staff memos recognized the project as an adaptive reuse of a long-vacant institutional structure and recommended site-plan review under multifamily standards if the variance is approved. Attorney William Sweeney, representing the applicant, was present online and said the client is “excited to move forward.”

The favorable referral does not change the zoning map or make multifamily use lawful in R-20 by right; it forwards a recommendation to the ZBA, which will consider the variance application and any related site-plan review if the variance is granted.","The Commission on the City Plan gave a favorable referral to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a use variance to convert the vacant former nursing home at 60 Crouch Avenue into 45 one-bedroom apartments, noting the city’s special-act charter exempts it from Connecticut General Statute 8-2r.",{"_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},6462419,"Commission conditionally approves 29,000 sq. ft. parking-lot plan at 10591 Wisconsin Avenue",995,1351000,2346000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5809596-da5e4614ab17ad045e8589248242ec50&start=1351&end=2346","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5809596-da5e4614ab17ad045e8589248242ec50/thumbnail_1351000.jpg","/articles/6462419/Norwich/New-London-County/Connecticut/Commission-conditionally-approves-29000-sq-ft-parking-lot-plan-at-10591-Wisconsin-Avenue","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6462419-2c89e6d3bbe564db343cd79e71dacd8d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771196630&Signature=LQVmfoEnVMcXO9IQqe7pIJ2b~XonHyxvG11YPLa0UcTSFMzuHw8GpKKLT1-Wc-aalNnFl4QsKkTBeuaaUl03F4frJUXhhNbh4Pnxz4GDi0nKl8Ry~xvz3jKu29JtaAn7Qhg2QYFRoFfGVBo~pLLLTmRe25K3rmJHORMqchOhs17~yiTeh9wLDS7JCyVeB36oFdXLoF2-DmpFxqIfSMqueh0rrnTwfU-lXGFgYGNKhhGnBb-gUIqRrRzEgc~YufJqjrDvQu4~i29WOxsiwVyj0mSDpdZg1q7YbG9PegWv7efgwzerv44im5MP2a9BuEhJQnzQHlrbBqdxv7GCmZt66g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Norwich Commission on the City Plan on Sept. 16 approved a site plan for a 29,000-square-foot parking lot, grading, lighting and stormwater-management system behind an existing building at 10591 Wisconsin Avenue, provided the applicant addresses outstanding city-engineer comments and posts required erosion- and sediment-control bonds.

BL Companies engineer Tim Houle presented the project on behalf of Norwich, Wisconsin LLC and the tenant, describing a proposal to add approximately 35 oversized parking stalls (10-by-35 feet) for delivery vehicles, two loading docks for tractor-trailers and an at-grade overhead door. Houle said existing building footprints will not change and the work lies outside mapped wetlands and floodplain areas.

Houle told the commission the team is working through city-engineer comments on stormwater and said recent test pits found better-than-expected infiltration at the western end of the proposed basin; he said the design will be revised to avoid previously unknown utilities discovered in the eastern basin area. “We can redesign this basin . . . and still meet the design requirements,” Houle said.

City planning staff and the city engineer recommended approval conditioned on their memos, updated erosion-control details, addressing stormwater comments and execution of the required bond. The commission voted to approve the plan subject to those conditions; staff noted the plan could be acted on at the hearing if the applicant addresses comments, but the commission required the conditions be met before final sign-off.

The applicant agreed to resubmit revised drawings promptly so staff can review them prior to the next meeting if necessary. The approval requires confirmation that the hydrodynamic separator and proposed treatment meet Connecticut stormwater guidelines and that the final basin location avoids existing utilities.","The commission approved a site plan for a 29,000-square-foot parking lot and associated stormwater improvements for 10591 Wisconsin Ave, subject to addressing city-engineer comments and posting required bonds.",{"_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},6462424,"Commission waives new site-plan requirement, approves one-owner apartment at Ponemah Mills",469,787000,1256000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5809596-da5e4614ab17ad045e8589248242ec50&start=787&end=1256","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5809596-da5e4614ab17ad045e8589248242ec50/thumbnail_787000.jpg","/articles/6462424/Norwich/New-London-County/Connecticut/Commission-waives-new-site-plan-requirement-approves-one-owner-apartment-at-Ponemah-Mills","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6462424-691a1005ba167bb7fa262336032638fd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771196630&Signature=ZR-v12WrHhd9~luZHwmU2SsYdGvbapRzTd8FHke8w2CkeTATOABir8FH7VDEOxdTjQNZ0KeEtWbllOUrm5eIrlQgTt5o6CSvG1Vg4WGbqWGt-z3-~6P~YxXHk1ChlSVN5nCBnfxYUdSDGD-xPVrZWinWAIdv0FzcwMGVf3vezw3MloEcMb03QW2liNJ1NtgM6QYB8ydwKIfmnWK-Cxf9~DZ9xev~MdHlPZH4vvKYzS-p20-amGCCcG2Oo0XnKTcbu~e1mxjU~a9rEs-w4jwTzv~hlocMVzK1tsNnsPOCqlUGDbeuOowcJ7upJNBzKTk4OoSevdrYLMFup4wq6JH-dw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Norwich Commission on the City Plan on Sept. 16 voted to waive the requirement for a new site plan and approved a site-plan modification to construct a two-floor, one-bedroom owner-occupied apartment in the South Tower of the North Mill at Ponemah Mills (assessor’s map 39 Block 1) with conditions set by city planning staff.

Phil Biondo, representing Ponemah Riverbank Unit A South LLC, said the change would restore the previously approved total of 314 units by adding a single owner-occupied apartment; the project previously built 313 of the approved 314 units. Planning staff recommended waiving a new site plan because the change is interior, does not increase parking demand and does not alter the site footprint.

Deanna (planning staff) told the commission the building official and fire marshal had technical comments that could be addressed at the permit stage, and that required mechanical, electrical and structural permits would be submitted in the normal course. “We fully understand that we'd have to come in and comply with all the building code requirements as stipulated,” Biondo said.

Commissioners voted to waive the new site-plan requirement and approve the modification, subject to the conditions and recommendations contained in the planning staff memo dated Aug. 11 and any outstanding departmental comments to be resolved before building permit issuance.

Staff noted the approval is for the schematic architectural floor plans as presented; any future exterior or site changes could require further review by the zoning enforcement officer or return to the commission. The approval carries standard five-year expiration language and may be subject to extension procedures.","The Commission on the City Plan voted to waive a new site plan and approved a site modification to add a two-floor owner-occupied one-bedroom apartment at Ponemah Mills (607 Norwich Ave) with conditions in Deanna Rhodes’s memo.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6462428,"Public hearing opened and continued on proposed bed-and-breakfast at 100 West Main Street",682,97000,779000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5809596-da5e4614ab17ad045e8589248242ec50&start=97&end=779","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5809596-da5e4614ab17ad045e8589248242ec50/thumbnail_97000.jpg","/articles/6462428/Norwich/New-London-County/Connecticut/Public-hearing-opened-and-continued-on-proposed-bed-and-breakfast-at-100-West-Main-Street","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6462428-ad9de3e51d787e0b7a099bb50e6ce152/orig.mp4?Expires=1771196630&Signature=eNIxtp5srXORbz2MSIFQx~nV~rheQAdpt0S1Lm4J4B5uHhLTqk1oXt45yKHODqQmLnynPr5MzfsqZRH1r9XL5u8Q9iyiKGTqEuFh8zK1wTZjVUMxj2izh2hzyOBU18UT44y5gdnaAE1w0cLbsESgxHZJ~fWmuJqiJ6nXFsFnXZvYa4jgMwFFjPPezF0RjMqQ40KGlmoyTdL13TsQue~5Zy6HN1-u9L16VzPB1cmmIx0O5f7nHBMbP-HkXv3DSHuzlJI3I4fHNfvGVf3cqGXy0xlCSQlCG73JoADDyK8ppar7fM6gxHtEZsBU9XXSwEajiwy1xFC2w1BrLWkdDBKL-g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Norwich Commission on the City Plan on Sept. 16 opened a public hearing on a special permit application to convert 100 West Main Street (Map 1 Of 18 Block 1 Lot 3) to a bed-and-breakfast and continued the hearing to Oct. 21 to allow the applicant and city staff to resolve fire-safety and water-connection questions.

The application, filed by Andrew Buie for the property sometimes called The Century, would convert a multi-family structure into a bed-and-breakfast with four single bedrooms and two suites; the owner says he occupies the third floor. The commission opened the hearing and then voted to continue it so updated plans and required inspections can be provided.

Applicant Andrew Buie described restoration work, fire upgrades and planned systems: “I have installed . . . fire sheetrock throughout,” Buie said, and added that he has a sprinkler system and an engineered fire-alarm plan. Buie told the commission he intends to connect the sprinkler system to a larger city water main and that a required water test and final fire-marshal sign-off remain pending.

City planning staff told the commission the fire marshal and building official have outstanding comments to resolve and that the architects are revising plans to remove exterior fire staircases and address other code questions. Deanna (staff member) said the sprinkler system is installed but the water test remains because the connection will be to a 10-inch main on a different street and will require a live tap.

With those items outstanding, the commission agreed to continue the public hearing to Oct. 21, 2025. The applicant said the architects expect to have the required documentation and the engineered alarm design before that date.

The continuation gives the fire marshal and building department time to inspect the installed systems and for the applicant’s new architectural team to provide any required revisions. No decision was made at the Sept. 16 meeting.","The Commission on the City Plan opened a public hearing on a special permit application to convert 100 West Main Street to a four-room bed-and-breakfast and continued the hearing to Oct. 21 to allow outstanding fire-safety and water-supply issues to be resolved.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Planning staff reports zoning rewrite delay, CDMRA zone work and draft waterfront plans including potential boat-launch move

Commission recommends approval of use variance to convert vacant nursing home at 60 Crouch Ave to 45 one-bedroom apartments

Commission conditionally approves 29,000 sq. ft. parking-lot plan at 10591 Wisconsin Avenue

Commission waives new site-plan requirement, approves one-owner apartment at Ponemah Mills

Public hearing opened and continued on proposed bed-and-breakfast at 100 West Main Street