Commission approves McCall Foundation group home with staff, neighbor conditions

The Torrington Planning and Zoning Commission on June 25 approved a special exception (SE-25-2) to allow a group care facility at 25 Hotchkiss Place operated by McCall Foundation, with conditions addressing staffing, parking, building and fire-code compliance, and neighbor communication.

Why it matters: the property previously operated in a manner that exceeded the zoning threshold for a single-family dwelling; the commission’s action authorizes a regulated group care use that the commission says is intended to be more compatible with the neighborhood than the property’s recent unapproved occupancy levels.

What the commission decided: the motion, offered by Commissioner Donna Greco and seconded by Commissioner Diane Carroll, approved the special exception “for a group care facility for up to 12 residents” with multiple conditions recorded in the motion. The commission’s motion and staff memo also refer to a proposed operating level of 11 residents and note a reduction from a previously noncompliant occupancy of 13; the record contains both figures (agenda language used “up to 12,” while the written motion text refers to 11). The approval includes requirements that the owner obtain all applicable building and fire permits, install a van-accessible handicap parking space, file a certificate of special exception on the land records (CGS § 8-3c), and make a phone list available to neighbors to contact the operator.

Staff and public testimony: during deliberations, commissioners and staff stressed that zoning treats dwellings with six or fewer residents as single-family use, and that the commission’s role is limited to weighing the difference between the previously permitted six-person occupancy and the larger group facility now proposed. Jeremy Leifer summarized enforcement history and public concerns including police calls, alleged harassment and property damage, traffic and roadside parking, loitering, litter and noise. Maria Gutten Skinner, presenting on behalf of the applicant, described the proposed program as clinical and highly supervised; Leifer read her testimony into the record: “this is a clinical program with strict accountability and a high degree of supervision with rules such as being polite to the neighbors.”

Conditions and compliance: the motion includes a waiver allowing delayed marking of off-street parking in accordance with §5.13.4(c) and obligates the owner to install marked parking within six months of city request. The commission made mandatory the presence of two staff members on duty at all times for the clinical program as described in public testimony, required building and fire code approvals prior to certificate of occupancy, and required a neighbor phone list for reporting concerns. Commissioners discussed legal recourse if the program deviates from the described model and directed staff to consult corporation counsel if needed.

Vote: the motion passed during the meeting; the record shows a vote in favor and no formal opposition recorded at the vote.

Next steps: McCall Foundation must obtain required building and fire-code approvals, complete any required site improvements (van-accessible handicap parking and signage), file the certificate of special exception with the city clerk, and provide the neighbor contact list.