Planning board asks council to revisit multifamily allowances in R‑10 and R‑20 zones, endorses special‑use path

The Middletown Planning Board voted to send a recommendation to the Town Council asking the council to reconsider two use‑table items: whether multifamily dwelling structures and multifamily projects should be allowed in the R‑10 and R‑20 residential districts by special‑use permit.

Planning staff member Ron explained the proposal traces to a subcommittee review of the use table and earlier board recommendations. The Town Council previously adopted most of the board’s proposed use‑table amendments but held back the multifamily items and referred them back for further consideration. Board members said housing pressures and changing state legislation supporting higher density in areas with water and sewer make it timely to revisit the council’s decision.

The board clarified the recommendation seeks multifamily housing only by special‑use permit, not by right; special‑use review would require applicants to meet standards and criteria before approvals are granted. The motion passed on a recorded voice vote; the board asked staff to draft a memorandum to the Town Council outlining reasons for the recommendation and to cite ongoing state legislative developments that may affect municipal authority.

Board members said the change is intended to create an additional, regulated pathway for multifamily housing where appropriate, not to mandate immediate development.