Public hearing closed on rezoning request for 22–24 Constitution Boulevard; neighbors raised blasting, traffic and notice concerns
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Summary
Attorney for the applicant presented a request to rezone nearly 4 acres at 22–24 Constitution Boulevard from R‑1/RBD to CB‑2; neighbors voiced concerns about short notice, blasting, traffic on narrow roads and possible loss of backyard privacy. The commission closed the public hearing and will continue deliberation after the first January meeting.
Attorney Raymond Rizzio represented 22–24 Constitution Boulevard LLC and asked the Shelton Planning & Zoning Commission to rezone three merged parcels (roughly 3.99 acres) from residential and overlay zones to CB‑2, saying the new Constitution Boulevard extension creates commercial access consistent with the city’s Plan of Conservation and Development.
During the public hearing, several residents asked questions about notice and timing, and said they had only recently received hearing letters. Speakers raised concerns that rezoning could put residential backyards at risk, increase traffic on narrow local roads such as Black Hill Road, and bring blasting and vibration near homes. One resident said the short notice during the holiday season prevented them from securing legal counsel to respond.
Applicant counsel said the sale contract with the city contemplated rezoning to CB‑2 and argued that the property is consistent with commercial frontage along Bridgeport Avenue; he noted wetlands and an existing rock wall provide buffers and that any specific future development would require separate site‑plan and public‑hearing processes where landscaping, setbacks and blasting permits would be addressed. The applicant also said it had provided the required mailed notices and posted signs.
After public comment, a motion to close the public hearing passed on a roll call (recorded Aye votes and one Nay). Commissioners discussed follow‑up documentation such as any prior 8‑24 referrals and engineering or referral records and agreed to continue the matter for fact‑finding and formal discussion at or after the first meeting in January.
What happens next: The public hearing is closed; staff and commissioners will gather additional referrals and documentation and schedule continued discussion for consideration in January. Any rezoning decision would require affirmative commission action after the record is complete.