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Commission weighs how to regulate bus shelters as River Valley Transit pilot nears
Summary
The Planning & Zoning Commission discussed whether bus shelters should remain subject to special‑exception review or be permitted in select zones. Commissioners agreed an approach is needed that balances resident notice and streamlined installation; staff will return with options.
The Middletown Planning & Zoning Commission debated whether to require special‑exception review for bus shelters or to allow them as permitted uses in some zones after staff described River Valley Transit’s pilot to install shelters at several locations.
Director Kazakowski said the transit authority and state partners proposed four pilot locations, including two on Newfield Street, one near Wesleyan University and one on Middle Street. He said three of those locations would require special‑exception approval under current zoning and one would not be permitted at all.
Commissioners expressed two recurring views. Some argued that keeping shelters under planning‑and‑zoning review preserves notice and gives residents an opportunity to comment. “At least if it is something that’s within the code and regulated to the extent that it can be by the planning and zoning commission, at least there would be notice to interested parties,” Commissioner Juliana said. Others suggested permitting shelters in mixed‑use and industrial corridors while retaining special‑exception review in predominantly residential zones to strike a balance between local input and faster transit improvements.
Commissioner Elizabeth Emery stressed the service need: “I have always thought we have buses; why is there no place in town where there is a sheltered bus stop?” she asked, advocating for options that better support public‑transportation riders. Several commissioners also noted the police and public‑works departments would provide technical input on placement and safety.
No formal vote was taken. Staff said it would develop draft options — for example, permitting shelters in specified commercial/mixed‑use zones while keeping them subject to special exception in residential or protected zones — and return to the commission for a future decision.
