Tungstus Road LLC seeks rezoning of 180 Carr Avenue; commissioners flag power-line, access and utility concerns

Paul Dixon, town planner, read petition TPZ 26-3 on April 8, identifying Tungstus Road LLC as the applicant seeking to change 180 Carr Avenue from R22 (residential) to I (industrial) as a pre-application review. The matter was presented for guidance; no formal zone-change vote was taken.

Kevin Sisti, the property owner, described the parcel as a leftover portion of a historic subdivision bisected by a major Eversource transmission-line easement and constrained by steep topography. "We feel that the best use for the property would be small flex bases," Sisti said, describing a concept of three buildings totaling roughly 26,000 square feet intended for small service businesses with light traffic and short workday hours.

Why it matters: commissioners and staff said the parcel’s physical constraints — overhead transmission structures, limited frontage and an unimproved right-of-way — materially limit residential redevelopment and raise issues that must be resolved before a formal application. "Everyone would be notified absolutely once something is put into an actual application," Paul Dixon said, noting that formal public-notice procedures (including letters and signs) apply when an application is filed.

Key details and concerns: commissioners repeatedly urged the applicant to consult Eversource (and Connecticut Light and Power/CL&P, which holds utility interests on parts of the site) to determine what permanent uses are permitted beneath the lines. Commissioners also pressed the applicant on utilities and access: town staff said water appears to reach the property but sewer capacity had not been confirmed and natural gas is likely not present; the parcel lacks the minimum frontage for an industrial lot and the applicant would likely need to extend Carr Avenue to town standards or seek relief.

Several commissioners signaled policy and equity concerns. Commissioner Kane flagged the town’s obligation to comply with state housing law: "Reszoning residential zones to industrial seems to be in direct conflict with the strong signal that the legislature has sent that we should be maximizing residential property rather than reducing it," he said, urging caution in light of Public Act 25-1. Other commissioners cautioned that siting housing under high-tension lines raises environmental-justice questions and said that, practically, few developers would build residences there given the easement and steep slopes.

Technical and procedural next steps recommended by the commission included: an early conceptual discussion with Eversource about permissible uses under the easement; engineering study of topography and subsurface conditions (the applicant’s engineer was not present at the pre-application review); verification of rights, covenants and recorded easements in the land records; and an assessment of the cost and feasibility of extending Carr Avenue and providing fire access. Commissioners emphasized these matters are typically resolved prior to a zone-change application and site-plan submission.

What the applicant proposed: the concept materials discussed three buildings totaling about 26,000 square feet (the applicant said unit counts were not final) with small bays for service businesses and light service vans. The owner said the intent is to develop and retain the property long-term if economics permit.

Outcome: the commission provided informal feedback and did not take formal action on the rezoning at this meeting. Staff and the applicant agreed to follow up with Eversource, the town engineer and other necessary parties prior to any formal application.