Planning commission approves revised site plan for New Hope Baptist Church parking, landscaping and stormwater

The Torrington Planning and Zoning Commission approved a revised site plan on June 11 for New Hope Baptist Church at 371 Pinewoods Road that reconfigures the parking layout, updates landscaping and revises stormwater management.

Applicant Alan Borghese (Borghese Building & Engineering) and the church presented changes requested by staff and commissioners: a modified westerly curb cut for better fire access, plantings revised to native species and adjustments to drainage connections. Assistant city planner submitted a staff review noting compliance with parking and bulk regulations, and Inland Wetlands Commission staff provided a favorable wetlands report for the project.

The approved plan shows 136 paved parking spaces, including seven ADA-accessible spaces, plus 35 overflow gravel spaces to the rear, and requires standard permits and conditions. The commission approved the site plan with conditions: final landscaping plan updates to use native species and meet street-front planting requirements; identification and protection of trees over 12-inch DBH in the disturbance area; anti-tracking measures at the entrance during construction; submission of erosion control bonds with grading permits; and filing of final plan copies and a mylar of key sheets with signatures before permits are issued.

The approval was moved and seconded at the meeting and passed by the commission. Staff will process permit issuance once the required permits, revised planting plans and sureties are submitted.

What’s next: The applicant must file final signed plan copies and the required permits and bonds before site work begins. The city building, fire and other departments will sign off on construction permits once conditions are met.