Public hearing on proposed 3-bed rest home at 5 Blackberry Lane continued after commissioners seek written septic clarification

The Planning and Zoning Commission continued, rather than decide, a special-permit application Feb. 19 for a rest home at 5 Blackberry Lane after commissioners said they needed written clarification from the Norwalk Health Department on septic approval and the number and placement of bedrooms shown on revised plans.

The application, filed by Angela Valentine, proposes a licensed rest home with three resident bedrooms and caretaker living quarters on the same property. Planning staff reported the applicant had submitted revised floor plans and a septic plan to the health department; staff said they had spoken to Sean Duffy, a sanitarian at the health department, who indicated the health department would "sign off on those plans" but had not provided written confirmation at the time of the meeting.

"She has since provided a proposed septic plan to the health department," staff said. "He let me know that the health department would ... sign off on those plans that they are acceptable for the health department." Applicants and commissioners debated whether revised floor plans show two rooms labeled "rec rooms" or whether one of those is properly identified as an additional bedroom. Angela Valentine, the applicant, replied that the recreation rooms could not be used as bedrooms under state regulations and that the health department had approved the septic plan for three residents.

"Our only goal is for the community service to take care of elders and disabled," Valentine said during her public statement. Valentine's representative added that the health department had approved the septic design to serve three residents and that the septic drawings included capacity for future expansion but that any expansion would be subject to state rules.

Commissioners asked about operational matters — staff coverage, medication administration and parking — and whether the applicant's financial projections, which had earlier documentation tied to six residents, would remain viable if limited to three residents. Commissioners also raised concerns about emergency-vehicle access and the adequacy of buffering on the half-acre lots.

Commissioner Lou moved to deny the application citing limited access to public transportation and concerns about lot size and buffering; a second added worries about emergency-vehicle turning and neighborhood impacts. After discussion, Lou withdrew his motion; commissioners instead agreed to continue the item to the next meeting so staff could obtain a specific, written statement from Sean Duffy clarifying the health department's review: the exact count and location of bedrooms the department approved and whether the review pertains to the existing septic system or a proposed enlargement.

No final decision was made; the hearing remains open and the commission will consider the application at a future meeting after the health department provides the requested written clarification. Applicants were reminded they still must secure state licensing and building permits if the commission later approves the special permit.

Votes at a glance: a motion to deny was introduced and seconded but later withdrawn; the commission agreed to continue the hearing and request written health-department confirmation.