Danbury Planning Commission sends three positive referrals to City Council on property conveyance, fire station land and acquisition deadline

The Danbury Planning Commission on Dec. 3 voted to send positive referrals to the City Council on three separate agenda items: the conveyance of a parcel at 24 Hillandale Road, the possible acquisition of land for a Westside Fire Station on Reserve Road, and a six‑month extension of time to pursue purchase of property tied to upgrades at the Westlake Water Treatment Plant.

Chair opened the final 2025 meeting and confirmed a quorum. Deputy Planning Director Jennifer Emenger briefed the commission on each referral and repeatedly stated that “staff has no objection” to recommending positive referrals, while noting that all final documents must be approved as to form and content by the Office of Corporation Counsel and the Department of Public Works.

On the first referral, Emenger said the conveyance of a parcel along Hillandale Road was imposed as a condition of a variance granted in 2023 after it emerged that a portion of the property encroaches across the road right‑of‑way. Emenger said the house on the lot was constructed after a foreclosure sale by MP Homes LLC and that the owner will need to return to the Zoning Board of Appeals for additional variances. Because the ZBA had required the conveyance as part of the prior approval, staff recommended the city accept the parcel subject to the usual legal and public‑works reviews. Commissioner Helen moved for a positive referral with the conditions cited in the staff report; the commission approved the motion by voice vote.

The second referral concerned acquisition of a parcel on Reserve Road (parcel c16046) owned by Fairway Asset Management LLC. Emenger told the commission the parcel is zoned PND and is approximately 18.2 acres in size, and that the mayor’s office had asked Council to consider acquisition by negotiation or, if necessary, eminent domain. Emenger said a bond issued last year would fund acquisition and subsequent construction of a Westside Fire Station. Commissioners asked about parcel location and whether the city would acquire the whole lot or only the portion needed; Emenger said negotiations are ongoing and the city may take only the portion necessary. The commission approved a positive referral, again subject to legal review.

The third referral was a request, via attorney Robin Edwards, for a six‑month extension of time to consider acquisition of property at 147–149 Westville Ave Extension. Emenger said funding would come from the 2023 water‑system bond, which includes improvements tied to the Westlake Water Treatment Plant, and noted that a prior City Council authorization on May 6, 2025, had not been referred to Planning. Emenger referenced state statutory time limits that govern such extensions and said staff had no objection to the requested additional six months. The commission approved the positive referral by voice vote (recorded by the chair as “3 up, 3 down”).

All three items will be transmitted to the Danbury City Council for further action; staff and Corporation Counsel will finalize form and content of legal documents and any acquisition negotiations will continue through the mayor’s office and Council. The commission adjourned after brief holiday greetings and will next meet on Jan. 7, 2026.