Growth report flags Bel Air Elementary overcapacity; board told new residential approvals in that attendance area are constrained
Get AI-powered insights, summaries, and transcripts
Subscribe
Summary
County growth-report data included in the amendment shows Bel Air Elementary slightly overcapacity; the town was told that until capacity declines applicants for residential development of more than five lots/units in the attendance area will be restricted and can be placed on a waiting list.
Planning staff presented the Hartford County growth-report amendment showing Bel Air Elementary operating above capacity; the change triggers limits on new residential approvals in the school attendance area. The town officer said the limit means residential subdivision applications exceeding five lots or units within the Bel Air Elementary attendance area cannot be approved while the area remains overcapacity.
Staff explained that capacity metrics are set by the Board of Education or state ratings; the town’s role is informational. Commissioners discussed possible boundary swaps and noted that such decisions fall to the board of education, not the town. Staff said developers can submit and be placed on a waiting list but approvals will be withheld until capacity changes.
The growth report was provided for planning-commission information and no town action was required at the work session.