Zoning commission continues Salem Plaza hearing after staff report on limited self-storage proposal

The Danbury Zoning Commission on Jan. 27 received a staff overview of a petition by Salem Plaza LLC seeking a zoning-text amendment to permit limited self-storage within existing warehouse buildings in the CG20 general commercial zone and voted to continue the public hearing to Feb. 10, 2026.

The Planning Director told the commission the application would permit up to 15% of an existing building’s square footage to be used for self-storage on lots of at least 5 acres with access from an arterial or state road and adjacency to IL40 or IG80 zones. The director said staff and the applicant negotiated conditions, and emphasized that financial factors such as tenant demand are not relevant to the zoning determination.

Attorney Tom Beecher, representing Salem Plaza LLC, asked the commission to postpone the presentation until a fuller complement of members could be present so the applicant could make the initial presentation in person. "I would request that we continue this matter until the next meeting so that, we can see if we can get a full complement of 9 members," Beecher said, adding that approval would require six affirmative votes under the commission's rules.

Councilman Paul Rotolo asked whether continuing the hearing after a staff presentation would deny members of the public the opportunity to respond. "Are you saying that by doing this that the public who is also here will not have an opportunity to speak upon the presentation?" Rotolo asked. The chair and the applicant's attorney responded that a motion to continue and a subsequent vote would determine the process and that any required additional rounds of public testimony would occur when the hearing is reopened.

Commissioners also questioned whether the proposed amendment would set a precedent in CG20. Commissioner Trotta, a newer member, asked why the commission would consider a use not currently allowed in the zone; the chair said the commission would hear proponents and opponents and then decide. The director noted the proposal is narrowly tailored and that the planning commission issued a negative recommendation because it concluded the change conflicts with the city's Plan of Conservation and Development.

After discussion, Commissioner O'Neil moved, and Commissioner Botello seconded, to continue the public hearing to Feb. 10, 2026. The motion passed on a voice vote; the precise individual tallies were not recorded in the transcript. The continuance means the applicant will have the opportunity to present before more commissioners and the public when the hearing resumes.

The commission had no other business and adjourned at 7:34 p.m.; the chair apologized to staff and the applicant for the incomplete body present at the meeting.