Stonington Planning and Zoning approves special permit PZ2614SUP for proposed package store

The Stonington Planning and Zoning Commission approved a special permit (PZ2614SUP) for a proposed package store during a brief special meeting Thursday, June 2, 2026. The commission opened a public hearing, heard from the applicant and staff, and approved the application by voice vote; two commissioners voted in favor and Chair Chuck Sheehan abstained.

The applicant, Subhash Raster, introduced himself during the hearing and described his background as a retail business owner with prior package-store experience. “I would like to do my best to make a nice wine store, you know, beer wine, spirits, if it's possible,” Raster said, adding he has operated retail stores since 2016 and has no prior violations.

Commission staff reviewed the packet and checked applicable codes. Dave Skinner read the legal notice and told the commission he had looked up state statutes and local zoning rules: “there's nothing in Connecticut state law” that would prevent locating a package store near the high school, and he reported the police department did not raise objections in the materials before the commission.

With no members of the public speaking for or against the application, a motion to close the public hearing was made and approved. A subsequent motion to approve PZ2614SUP was moved by a committee member, seconded by Dave Skinner, and approved by voice vote with Chair Chuck Sheehan abstaining. The chair congratulated the applicant after the vote.

Commissioners also discussed resuming work on outstanding zoning amendments and suggested forming a subcommittee to review items that do not require additional budget funding; the chair said he would consider how to proceed. Two items listed under old business were deferred to the next meeting. The special meeting lasted roughly 13 minutes and was adjourned after the votes.