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Torrington planning commission approves rezoning of 30 Cook Street to downtown district
Summary
The Torrington Planning & Zoning Commission voted May 12 to rezone 30 Cook Street from R-6 residential to Downtown District (CZM-26-2), approving a staff-recommended motion conditioned on submission of an A-2 survey; applicant Matthew Germano said the change would enable a public–private parking project.
The Torrington Planning & Zoning Commission voted May 12 to rezone two Cook Street parcels from R-6 residential to Downtown District, approving the application filed by Matthew Germano and PAC Group LLC.
The change, listed as CZM-26-2 and affecting 30 Cook Street (Assessor's Map 116, Block 020, Lots 009 and 008), was approved on a motion that was seconded and carried by voice vote. The commission conditioned approval on submission of an A-2 survey and specified that the rezoning’s effective date be after the publication of the approval in the newspaper.
The rezoning drew support from staff. City planner Jeremy Leifer told the commission that the parcels include one privately owned lot (126 South Main Street LLC) and an adjacent city-owned lot, are served by public water and sewer, and that "in my opinion, this requested zone change aligns with the overall goals of the POCD" (Plan of Conservation and Development). Leifer noted the required A-2 survey had not been received and recommended approval conditional on that submission.
Applicant Matthew Germano told the commission the rezoning would "facilitate putting a parking area in" as part of a planned public–private partnership, and said there is a municipal lease agreement with the city covering the adjacent parcel. Germano said the intended use would allow daytime parking for office tenants and shared use after hours by Copark or town functions.
Commissioners asked for clarifying information about the proposed partnership and the lease; Germano responded on the record that the lease exists and described the planned shared parking arrangement. The commission solicited public comment; no members of the public spoke in favor or opposition during the hearing.
The commission’s action follows staff findings that the proposed rezoning is adjacent to existing DD-zoned property, does not constitute spot zoning, and is generally consistent with the 2023 Plan of Conservation and Development's encouragement of mixed uses and downtown infill. The approval is conditioned on the applicant furnishing a post-publication A-2 survey so the record reflects exact parcel boundaries.
The rezoning will take effect after the commission’s approval is published in the newspaper and the applicant submits the required A-2 survey, per the condition recorded in the commission’s motion.
