Planning commission recommends abandoning three mapped ‘paper’ streets through Clover Park, 2–1

The Stratford Planning Commission voted 2–1 on July 16 to recommend that the Town Council abandon three mapped but unbuilt “paper” streets—Sargent Drive, Putnam Street and Nathan Street—where those mapped rights-of-way traverse Clover Park.

Town Attorney Bruce Jackson told the commission the matter began as an enforcement action after staff discovered an encroachment onto town land adjacent to 200 Clover Street. Jackson said research showed the three streets exist on paper but not on the ground and that abandonment would split the right-of-way so that the abutting property would receive 25 feet and the town would absorb the remainder. “I don’t necessarily wanna basically give a gift to a bad behavior,” Jackson said, describing the tradeoffs between enforcement and a negotiated solution.

The town planner presented staff findings that few private properties abut the mapped streets and that the 200 Clover Street property would be the primary parcel affected. The planner noted the homeowner had received a letter regarding setback enforcement and had been advised to consult the town engineer. The planner also said abandoning the mapped streets would add a small amount of acreage toward the town’s Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD) open-space goal.

During discussion commissioners raised procedural and equity concerns, asking whether abandonment would reward an owner who had encroached on town land and whether alternatives—such as offering to sell land, requiring a survey, or continuing enforcement—were feasible. Jackson responded that property owners may disclaim additional land if they choose, and that abandonment can be a less costly way to resolve landlocked or tree-covered mapped rights-of-way than pursuing extended litigation.

A motion to recommend unfavorably was made but failed for lack of a second. A subsequent motion to report favorably to the Town Council, recommending abandonment “within the limits recommended by the town engineer,” was seconded and approved by a 2–1 vote. The commission’s action is a nonbinding recommendation under the town’s referral process; the Town Council will consider the abandonment and any legal or title work necessary before final disposition.

The record shows the planner and town engineer supplied maps and a staff report to aid the commission’s review; the plan for the property owner to remove encroaching structures still would be subject to enforcement or follow-up by town staff after any abandonment or Council action.

The Planning Commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to the Town Council for final action.