Planning commission sends three positive referrals and continues others to City Council

The Danbury Planning Commission acted on a slate of City Council referrals at its Jan. 7 meeting, forwarding three items with positive recommendations and continuing a public hearing on a residential site plan.

Lease renewal: Staff presented a five‑year lease renewal with an option for an additional five years for Duckpin Lanes at 7 East Haystown Road. Deputy Planning Director Jennifer Aminger told commissioners that staff had no objection; Commissioner Helen Hofstadter moved a positive referral (subject to corporation counsel approval and any additional lease terms), Bob Kyokyo seconded, and the motion passed by voice vote.

Water main extension: Aminger described a request to extend a water main and install a hydrant to serve 68 Morgan Avenue (IL‑40 zoning). Staff recommended a positive referral subject to standard DPW and corporation counsel conditions; Bob Kyokyo moved approval, Helen Hofstadter seconded, and the commission approved the referral by voice vote.

Condemnation (Lombardi Street): The commission reviewed a request originating from the City Council to condemn a utility easement within private Lombardi Street (off Merrimack Street) so the city can secure rights to install a water main required for a proposed multifamily development. Aminger said ownership of the private road could not be clearly determined and that condemnation via eminent domain was the advised route to secure easement rights. The commission moved and approved a positive referral.

Next steps: All three items will be forwarded to City Council with the commission’s recommendations and standard conditions where noted. The Ridgetop public hearing on The Ridgetop (BRT Skansen LLC) was continued to Jan. 21, 2026 to allow submission of an environmental analysis and sidewalk clarifications before any decision.