Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Rezoning Discussion topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission discusses possible rezoning of 39 South Main to 'Town Gateway'; members flag access constraints
Summary
Property owner asked whether rezoning 39 South Main to the Town Gateway district would improve marketability; commissioners responded that access constraints, state right‑of‑way ownership and risk of spot‑zoning counsel caution and that any rezoning would need a site‑specific proposal and likely a traffic study.
Winchester planning officials discussed a preliminary request from the owner of 39 South Main Street to consider rezoning the parcel from Town single‑family (RR) to Town Gateway to improve its marketability.
Staff said the owner approached the commission about making the site more marketable. Commissioners and staff described the parcel as nearly 4 acres split across two parcels, with primary access currently from Strong Terrace and physical constraints including a 20‑foot drop and a stone wall along Route 44. Staff also said portions of land needed for alternative access are owned by the Connecticut Department of Transportation, which could limit access options.
Commissioners said without a specific end use it would be premature to rezone. “I can't see rezoning it for the sake of rezoning it,” one commissioner said, adding that a developer with a defined proposal would be evaluated on access, traffic and neighborhood impact. Commissioners suggested residential uses — including affordable housing — might better fit the site than unconstrained commercial uses, and noted that a rezoning that allowed retail or restaurants as‑of‑right could create traffic and neighborhood impacts the commission would want studied.
Staff noted early steps would include surveying, potential traffic studies and coordination with DOT on access. The commission agreed to relay its preliminary comments to the property owner and to consider any future formal application with an end use and associated site plan.
