Torrington planning commission continues hearing on proposed two‑lot resubdivision at 53 McDermott Ave.

The Torrington Planning and Zoning Commission continued a public hearing on a proposed two‑lot resubdivision at 53 McDermott Avenue, citing outstanding conservation easement mapping and an appraisal.

At a Feb. 12 meeting, Chair Greg Miele opened the hearing for an application filed by Scott Olsen for a resubdivision of a 2.41‑acre parcel in the Local Business zone. Galen Sempervan, a professional engineer speaking for the applicant, described the plan: Lot 1 would be 31,028 square feet (the parcel containing an existing one‑story masonry building currently used as a cannabis retail facility) and Lot 2 would be 74,137 square feet. Both lots, Sempervan said, would meet the 10,000‑square‑foot minimum lot size and the 80‑foot frontage requirement if a small brick building on McDermott Avenue were removed. "We are seeking a subdivision to create a second lot on the property," Sempervan said.

The Conservation Commission informed the Planning and Zoning Commission that it plans to meet on Feb. 25, 2025, to review a proposed combination of conservation easements and a fee‑in‑lieu appraisal required by the subdivision regulations (sections 5.5.0.2 and 5.5.0.3). A Conservation Commission representative asked the applicant to submit updated plans showing proposed easement boundaries and an appraisal of the land subject to the fee in lieu. Planning staff recommended continuing the hearing to allow that report to be entered into the record.

No members of the public spoke in favor or opposition at the Feb. 12 hearing. A motion to continue the public hearing to the commission's Feb. 26, 2025 regular meeting carried unanimously.

The continuation means the commission will not act on the resubdivision until the Conservation Commission's report and the applicant's updated plans and appraisal are before the record. Staff and the applicant said the applicant will provide the requested materials for the next meeting.