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Middletown council adopts zoning changes but removes proposed multifamily allowance in R-10 and R-20
Summary
After public comment and discussion, the council adopted multiple zoning-code amendments but voted to exclude a planning-board recommendation to allow multifamily housing by special use permit in R‑10 and R‑20 districts and sent that portion back to the planning board for further study.
The council held a public hearing and considered amendments to the town zoning code (Title 15). The package included changes to definitions, accessory uses, home occupations and parking restrictions. The planning board had forwarded recommendations that included allowing multifamily dwelling structures (three to 12 units) and multifamily projects in R‑10 and R‑20 districts by special use permit.
Several residents spoke during the public hearing to oppose allowing multifamily in R‑10/R‑20 districts. Alicia Reyes, a resident who lives in an R‑10 or R‑20 zone, told the council those neighborhoods are typically modest, established lots with families and seniors; she said allowing multifamily structures would change neighborhood character, increase parking and traffic, and could lead to lot consolidation by developers.
Planning staff replied that the planning board’s recommendation intended to expand housing opportunities where utility infrastructure exists and that multifamily would be allowed only by special use permit, not by right. Staff also noted density limitations already in the town code for multifamily developments — for example, the draft ordinance cites minimum land area per unit for multifamily projects (the planner said figures such as 6,000 square feet per one‑bedroom unit and 8,000 square feet per two‑bedroom unit would apply) — and that such projects would therefore be feasible only on larger lots.
Councilors expressed concern about potential impacts to neighborhood character and the fit of multifamily in R‑10 districts. The solicitor and planning staff recommended removing the multifamily changes for R‑10 and R‑20 from the package and sending that element back to the planning board for further review, including an amendment to the ordinance sections that specify land‑area density so the new districts would be covered consistently. The council voted to adopt the other amendments as presented and to send the multifamily-in-R‑10/R‑20 portion back to the planning board. The votes were approved by voice.
