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Zoning panel approves amendment allowing three stories, raises Gateway zone coverage to 20%
Summary
The Old Saybrook Zoning Commission on June 22 approved a petition to amend Gateway Conservation Zone rules to permit three stories and increase lot coverage to 20% for certain residential properties after the petitioner narrowed the request; the vote was 5–0.
The Old Saybrook Zoning Commission voted unanimously June 22 to approve a petition amending the town’s zoning regulations for the Gateway Conservation Zone to allow three stories and increase allowed lot coverage to 20% for residentially zoned properties.
Attorney Ed Cassella, representing petitioner Gary Caraveta, told the commission the request had been narrowed since the prior hearing. “The only two things that we’re asking for are the amendment to allow for three stories and then the amendment to allow for the coverage to increase in the gateway up to 24%,” Cassella said, noting later in the meeting the petition was amended to 20% coverage before the final vote.
Commissioners questioned the practical effect of adding a full third story and its relationship to unit sizes. Cassella and the petitioner said the additional half- and full-story options yield modest additional livable area—roughly 250–275 square feet per unit—allowing units to be comparable with other townhouses while staying within design intent.
After briefly reworking a previously stated motion to reflect the narrowed petition text, the commission voted to approve the amended regulation changes for section 54.2.2 and section 54.9 of the zoning regulations. Chair Mark Calderella called the motion; Laura Gray seconded. The vote was recorded as 5–0 in favor.
The petition will return for the next required procedural step on July 15. No members of the public were present to speak for or against the amended petition at the June 22 meeting.
Why it matters: The change will allow slightly taller residential buildings and modestly higher lot coverage in the Gateway Conservation Zone, potentially affecting future development proposals in that district. Proponents argued the change creates units more comparable in size to surrounding townhouses; opponents were not present at the hearing to state objections.
What’s next: The item will appear again on the commission’s July 15 agenda for follow-up procedural action and any remaining filings required by town process.
