Shelton P&Z closes public hearing on proposed zone change, DRD text amendment and 20‑unit cluster plan after wide public opposition

Shelton’s Planning and Zoning Commission on May 21 closed the public hearing on three related applications that would rezone land to R‑3, alter the development regulation for design residential districts (DRD), and permit a 20‑lot clustered residential development with dedicated open space.

Attorney Conan Thomas, representing the applicant David Chepta (filed under applications 25‑05, 25‑06 and 25‑07), presented updated color site plans showing how the proposed open space would connect to existing city open space and explained changes made in response to staff and engineering comments. Engineer Eileen Eller of Jay Edwards & Associates described revisions to the sewer design: an added manhole to reduce a sharp angle in the sewer split, removal of grinder pumps for two units, and lowered invert elevations so sewer flows can operate by gravity where possible. The applicant still must obtain WPCA sewer connection approval and a wetlands review for Upland Review Area impacts.

Many nearby residents spoke in opposition during the public comment period. Statements read and spoken by neighbors focused on traffic safety on Constitution Boulevard, loss of woodland and wildlife habitat, potential impacts on private wells and property during blasting and grading, insufficient setbacks from existing homes, and the cumulative effect of other nearby developments. Resident Christine Pournabayo said, “Please deny, deny, deny all 3 applications,” and other residents asked for clear answers on how many houses the property could host under current zoning and how the proposed open space would be protected if financing failed.

Attorney Thomas and the project team argued the DRD cluster approach preserves a larger connected open space than a conventional subdivision would and that required conditions and recorded documents (special exception and open‑space conveyance recorded on the land records) would protect the dedicated parcels. Thomas said the proposal would produce a meaningful, connected open‑space corridor that would not be achieved under the existing zoning without greater land disturbance.

Commissioners asked technical questions about whether basement levels would be serviced by sewer (some units are now designed with below‑grade service capacity) and about the contingency that would protect open space if the project could not be completed. Thomas said, under the normal approval process the special exception and open‑space conveyance are recorded and that the open space would be conveyed to the city or a designated land trust at the time of recording.

After the presentation and public comment, Commissioner Cristiano moved to close the public hearings for applications 25‑05, 25‑06 and 25‑07; Commissioner Motto seconded. The motion passed by roll call vote, 6–0. The commission did not vote on the applications themselves; the matter will return for deliberation at a future meeting after engineering and wetlands comments are addressed and outstanding documents are posted to the city website.