Planning commission approves accessory apartment at 11 Bonnie Road

The Brookfield Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved a special permit Thursday for a 506-square-foot accessory apartment at 11 Bonnie Road, application Z-26-43, after a brief public hearing.

Applicant Brian Straighten told the commission he finished work in the basement during the COVID period and did not intend to rent the space. "I was literally bored. So, I decided to, you know, put a couple walls up down in the basement," Straighten said, describing how the project evolved and why he sought the special permit.

Land use staff read into the record a health department letter noting the original septic system engineered in 1985 supports the five-bedroom design on file. Commissioners and staff questioned egress and window requirements: Straighten said the basement has two doors (through the garage and an internal stairwell) but no egress windows; staff advised the commission that two methods of egress are required and that a lockable internal door and proper egress would be necessary if the unit were to be rented.

A neighbor and occupant, Denise Marie Kentala of 11 Bonnie Road, spoke in favor, saying she lived at the property and did not want further construction. "I'm in favor of the application because I don't want my basement torn apart and have another big mess," she said.

After brief deliberations, Commissioner Anthony Poochie moved to approve Z-26-43; the motion was seconded and carried unanimously. Chair Kurt Timberman told the applicant he was "all set" following the vote. The commission has up to 65 days from the hearing to render a final decision; the chair noted final decisions may include approval as submitted, approval with stipulations, or denial.