Wolcott planning commission approves bottle‑redemption text amendment with indoor‑storage requirement

WOLCOTT — The Wolcott Planning & Zoning Commission voted May 20 to approve a text amendment (File 260129) submitted by Stephen Funk to permit bottle‑redemption uses in town, with a new requirement that all related storage be kept inside. The commission recorded the amendment’s effective date as June 12, 2026.

Certified Zoning Enforcement Officer (CZEO) David Kalinowski told the commission the draft language had been revised since the previous meeting to address members’ concerns about outside storage and that the regulation number had been updated. Attorney Thomas Caulkins, representing the applicant, said, “we have no additional information for submission, but we are here if anyone has questions for us.” There were no public questions or comments during the hearing.

The amendment was approved on a motion by Commission member Daniel LaMontagne, seconded by Debra Kiely. The minutes record the measure as approved at the May 20 meeting; the amendment’s effective date was recorded as June 12, 2026.

The change responds to commissioners’ earlier concerns about outside storage creating visual or nuisance impacts; Kalinowski explained the revised text ensures storage is limited to indoor areas. No statutory citations were discussed at the meeting, and no opposing testimony was recorded in the minutes.

At the same meeting the commission also kept open a separate public hearing (File 260238) on a proposed text amendment regarding common mailboxes and bus shelters until the June 3, 2026 meeting. CZEO Kalinowski reported that the applicant’s attorney for that file could not attend and that Town Attorney Tansley had submitted correspondence and was present in case questions arose.

CZEO Kalinowski additionally reported that the Tractor Supply project in town had started. The commission adjourned at 6:41 p.m.