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Cheshire commissioners push for workshop on sidewalk rules after repeated waiver requests
Summary
Commissioners called for a regulation workshop with the town engineer and consultant to address repeated sidewalk waivers, ADA and safety concerns, possible fee-in-lieu options, and whether sidewalks should be required on both sides and at specific connections.
Commissioners at the Town of Cheshire meeting on March 13 pressed for clearer sidewalk and subdivision rules after several recent applications requested waivers from sidewalk requirements.
Commissioner Casey (DS) said she was "vehemently opposed" to repeatedly exempting developers from sidewalks and urged the commission to require sidewalks on both sides and better connections where new developments tie into existing streets. Several members said they were frustrated that the town engineer’s memos and waiver recommendations had been provided without the engineer being present to explain the professional reasoning.
Commissioners agreed to schedule a workshop focused on subdivision regulations and sidewalk standards and to invite Merrick (the consulting engineer) and the town engineer to explain the waiver process, ADA-accessibility study implications and any recommended changes. A commissioner suggested considering a fee-in-lieu (a dedicated fund for future sidewalks) for applicants who receive sidewalk waivers.
The discussion highlighted competing priorities: public-safety and pedestrian connectivity concerns versus the town engineer’s professional recommendations and site-specific constraints. Commissioners emphasized that any regulatory change would proceed through the normal amendment and public-review process before becoming binding.
Next steps: staff will propose a regulation-workshop agenda for a future meeting, invite the town engineer and Merrick, and gather example fee-in-lieu or sidewalk-waiver language for commission review.
