Planning board approves conversion of 20 Preston Street to adjunct law office after ZBA setback variance

The City of Middletown Planning Board on a unanimous roll-call vote approved a site‑plan resolution allowing Sobo & Sobo to convert 20 Preston Street into an adjunct office to its main law office at 1 Dolson Avenue.

Gary Sobo, representing Sobo & Sobo, told the board the firm received a 9.7‑foot setback variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals and plans to use the building for mail operations (about 8 people) and building maintenance for several properties. "We have gotten that 9.7 foot setback variance, and we are back," Sobo said. He said the proposal would eliminate two bay doors on the left, retain one on the right for a truck, and accommodate roughly 8–10 people in the space.

The public hearing, held as a continuation of an earlier session, remained open at the start of the presentation but no members of the public spoke. The board closed the public hearing and moved to the resolution. On the record, the motion to adopt the Sobo resolution was seconded and passed by unanimous roll call.

The approval was processed as a continuation item from the November 5, 2025 meeting; no additional conditions or amendments were read into the resolution during the vote. The board's decision returns the project to subsequent engineering and permitting steps, including any building‑code, fire‑safety, or utility coordination required before occupancy.

The board recorded roll‑call approval with all members present voting yes; the Chair thanked the applicant and moved on to the next agenda item.