Bolton PZC continues hearing on lowering senior‑housing age limit at 7 Loomis Road

The Bolton Planning & Zoning Commission on Dec. 11 opened and then continued a public hearing on a proposed zoning amendment that would lower the resident age restriction for traditional multiple‑dwelling senior complexes from 62 to 55 years for the six‑unit property at 7 Loomis Road.

Attorney Ed Joy, representing applicant Michael Bugnacki, said the change would apply to the existing six‑unit building and help fill two remaining vacant units by making younger seniors eligible. Joy said the amendment "would not impose any burden on other senior complexes in the community" and noted that "many complexes, such as mobile home communities, commonly restrict the age to 55 and older." Patrice Carson, consulting director of community development, told the commission that all four current tenants submitted letters of no objection.

Resident Brian Mensinger asked whether language in Paragraph A—protecting occupants after changes in personal circumstance such as "death, divorce, etc."—is too broad and could allow occupants who do not meet the age requirement to remain. Joy and staff clarified the provision is intended to protect co‑habitants in limited circumstances (for example, a younger co‑habitant remaining after an older lessee dies). Joy agreed to provide an addendum with comparative information about nearby communities' age‑restriction practices.

Carson also noted that the Capitol Region Council of Governments (CRCOG) had not yet issued a response to the required regional referral; because the 35‑day review window was still open the commission voted to continue the hearing until Jan. 8, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. The motion to continue carried 6–0–0.

Next steps: the PZC will accept any public comment at the continued hearing and will consider any material Joy submits about typical age thresholds in neighboring towns prior to that meeting.