Middletown zoning board clears sunroom, condo addition, deck and shed variances; one condo change passes 3–1

The Town of Middletown Zoning Board on Wednesday approved several dimensional variances and building permits, including a rear sunroom addition, a condominium vertical expansion, a deck replacement and a backyard shed.

Architect Daniel Herkenrother presented the continued petition CBR26‑15 for Michael Powell of 8 Julia Court, explaining the project seeks two variances: a rear setback reduction and about a 1.4 percent lot‑coverage overage (roughly 144 square feet), attributable in part to a proposed deck and hot tub. Herkenrother told the board the addition "faces a commercial property" and that there is a “50 to 75 foot vegetative buffer” so the addition would only be visible from the rear, not from the public right-of-way. The board asked about HOA approvals, drainage and pervious surface; Powell said neighbors were supportive, and the variance was approved by voice vote.

At 254 Purgatory Road, applicant Gary Mendoza sought a staircase addition and an underpin/second‑floor change that the board characterized as a nonconforming vertical expansion. Mendoza said the condo association had approved the change conditional on his amending the master deed and plat at his expense; he also described plans to limit the attic space to nonhabitable loft area. Neighbors—Honey and Sheila Kennedy—said the area has experienced rapid development and voiced concerns about parking, construction traffic and the scale of the proposed structure. Board discussion focused on whether the project would "drastically alter the character of the neighborhood"; one member voted no, and the motion passed 3–1.

The board also considered a deck replacement at 21 Gossett's Turn Drive where the existing deck was constructed without a permit; applicant Ina Cooperau said she would replace the deck in-kind and that wetlands/buffer delineation and DEM requirements would be addressed through the building permit and DEM process. Staff noted outstanding open permits on the property that will be handled through the building department; the zoning board approved the deck petition (4–0).

The final approval was for a 12×16 shed at 67 Bluegrass Drive; Teresa Acuna said the shed will sit near an existing six‑foot fence and that immediate neighbors had no objection. Board members reminded the applicant that a building permit is required before construction. The shed variance was approved.

Why it matters: The package of approvals highlights typical tensions in coastal and dense neighborhoods—property owners seeking modest expansions and neighbors concerned about scale, parking and cumulative development. The one 3–1 vote on the Purgatory Road condo change shows at least one board member willing to withhold approval when they believe neighborhood character could be noticeably affected.

The decisions are subject to standard follow-up: recordation of any condominium documents changes, building‑permit review, and (when applicable) DEM wetlands approvals.