Planning commission approves five‑year extension for Danbury Proton Facility, issues positive referrals on airport lease and water extension

The Danbury Planning Commission on Feb. 18 approved a five‑year extension of site‑plan approval for the Danbury Proton Facility at 85 Worcester Heights Road and issued positive referrals on two items on the City Council agenda.

Staff said the original site plan approval dated to July 2021 and remained valid for five years; the applicant requested an extension because obtaining a state certificate of need took longer than anticipated. Attorney Megan Miles, who filed the extension letter, said the certificate of need was finally approved on Jan. 17, 2025 after an earlier denial and a subsequent refiling. “It was a long process,” Miles said.

A Danbury Proton representative (on the call) said the project team had been transparent and frequently updated a project website and that construction was expected to begin in the coming months; the commission voted to grant the requested five‑year extension by voice vote.

On referrals, staff reported no objection to a lease renewal for Tango Yankee LLC (operating as Business Aircraft Center Inc.) at Danbury Airport; Commissioner Helen moved a positive referral and it carried. Staff also recommended a positive referral for a previously approved water‑main extension that will connect Ridgewood Country Club to a hydrant and an existing private 6‑inch service line; the commission likewise voted a positive referral.

What’s next: positive referrals will appear on the City Council agenda for formal action; the Danbury Proton applicant expects to begin construction soon and indicated bonding discussions with the city remained in progress.