F&M Bank seeks zoning change to allow first‑floor law, insurance and professional offices; commission continues hearing to July

Members of F&M Bank LLC, Chris Maguire and John Maguire, petitioned the Wallingford Planning & Zoning Commission on June 8 to amend section 4.26 of the zoning regulations to expand allowable first‑floor, street‑facing uses in the Town Center.

Chris Maguire read the group’s request into the record, asking the commission to permit banks and financial institutions, law offices, insurance agencies, accounting firms, medical offices and other professional uses at ground level. He cited post‑pandemic changes in the office market and a 2024 office vacancy figure he said was about 23.66% to argue that regulatory flexibility was needed to attract tenants to vacant downtown spaces. "Expanding the permitted first‑floor office use in Uptown Wallingford business district is both necessary and economically prudent," Maguire said.

Commission discussion focused on two competing goals: maintaining a walkable retail‑oriented streetfront versus allowing professional service clustering (attorneys, insurers, realtors) that historically locates near town hall. Commissioners noted that some bank and medical conversions have occurred under previous, narrowly tailored amendments and that some uses (banks, certain financial services) are already allowed in the district. Several commissioners asked for written input from the Economic Development Committee and Wallingford Center, Inc. and expressed concern about unintended consequences such as ground‑floor rows of offices reducing retail appeal.

After extended debate about definitions, parking, downtown vacancy data and the town’s prior 2017/2018 zoning intent, the chair called for a motion to continue the public hearing. The commission voted to continue application 503‑26 to the July 13 meeting to allow the EDC and Wallingford Center time to provide comments and for the applicants and staff to refine proposed text changes.